The ‘Sweet Devon’ apple is a notable Devon variety. It is gaining recognition among home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts. Its versatility and reliable growth make it a desirable addition to orchards.
Distinctive Characteristics
Sweet Devon apples are typically medium-sized with bold red stripes over a greenish-yellow background. Skin can also be green, maturing to golden with red spots. Its flesh is white, crisp, and juicy.
They are intensely sweet. Depending on soil, they can be low in acidity for a balanced flavor. A faint aromatic quality is noted.
Cultivation Basics
Sweet Devon apple trees thrive in well-drained loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adequate sunlight is crucial, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily for flower bud and fruit development.
This variety is well-suited to mild, damp climates like Devon and Cornwall. Apple trees are typically hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, and Sweet Devon has specific chill hour requirements. While specific resistance levels for Sweet Devon are not widely detailed, traditional varieties suited to damp climates exhibit natural resilience to common apple diseases like scab and powdery mildew. Apple trees are generally self-incompatible, requiring a compatible pollinating partner nearby for maximum fruit yield.
Culinary and Cider Uses
The Sweet Devon apple is highly versatile for fresh consumption and culinary applications. Its intense sweetness and juicy, crisp flesh make it an excellent dessert apple.
Beyond fresh eating, it is well-regarded for baking and cooking. Its sweet profile lends itself well to dishes like apple cakes, strudels, and other desserts.
Its soft white flesh makes it particularly suitable for juicing and, historically, for cider production. As a “Sweet” in cider terms, it produces a gentle cider, contributing a rich, sweet, and often full-bodied character.
Harvesting and Storage
Sweet Devon apples are typically ready for harvest in late September. Indicators of ripeness include the fruit detaching easily when gently lifted and twisted. The background color, not just the red blush, will also change from green to a lighter, creamy yellow or white when ripe.
When harvesting, cup the apple in your hand, place your index finger on the stem, and gently roll it upwards or twist it to release it. This technique prevents damage to the fruit and protects fruiting spurs, crucial for next year’s crop.
For optimal storage, apples should be kept in a cool, dark, humid environment, ideally between 30-40°F (-1 to 4°C) with 80-95% relative humidity. Storing apples in perforated plastic bags in a refrigerator can maintain these conditions, extending freshness for several months.