Apple variety Court Pendu Plat

Court Pendu Plat is a very rare, very old apple. The name probably means ''short stalk' in French. Believed to have been introduced to Britain by the Romans, it was widely cultivated in the days of Queen Elizabeth the First, and known as 'The wise apple' as it blossomed very late and so was not damaged by frost. It is now esxtremely rare, most people have never head of it, and of those who have heard of it, most have never seen or tasted one.

Light to medium but fairly regular cropper, small flattened apple, very rich flavour with a touch of pineapple which evidently was passed on to its descendant Suntan (Cox and Court Pendu Plat cross from 1955) whcih as I have mentioned elsewhere has wild tropical fruit flavours and long keeping qualities which it seems to have got from the genetics of this rare old apple.

The first written record is from 1613. No apple has any reliabkle rcords going further back than this, and it is lkely that this fruit was passed from gardener to gardener across the generations for many centuries. It was widely grown in France and Germany.

Rosanne Sanders says this apple should be picked in mid October and eaten December to April. It makes a small tree.

An extraordinary apple which MUST NOT be allowed to go extinct.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• apple
• variety
• court
• pendu
• plat
• fruitwise
• woodpecker

[mcgrimes]

What variety are those lovely deep red apples in the background?

[stephenhayesuk]

King of the Pippins

[jonewer]

Court pendu plat means short hanging flat IIRC. Plat as the apple has a flattened appearance and court pendu as the stalk or "hanging bit" is short.

Hopefully I will be able to add this, Pitmaston Pineapple, and Orleans Reinette to my collection next year.

[robertcefncarnau]

I have planted a cider variety called Perthyre (originated in Rockfield Nr Monmouth) bought from Paul Davis of Dolau-Hirion Nursery, which also seems to be very late coming into leaf and I expect will also blossom late.

[andrewnorris1]

Great video. You remind me of people like Gerald Finzi, who helped to save apples from extinction. Great work you are doing.

[DamonBKnox]

Very cool history on this one. Like eating an antique apple. Great video.

[Abnormalized]

Mmm... I want one.

[MadBadVoodo]

Five Stars!!