This is a handsome old apple variety from Barnack, a small village in Lincolnshire (although now part of Cambridgeshire). It has a sharp flavour and is best used for cooking.
Apparently, on its native soil, Barnack Beauty did not crop particularly well, although it has a repuation for doing well elsewhere! This probably reflects the fact that whilst it tolerates the chalky soil of Barnack better than other varieties, it still prefers a less alkaline soil.
Thanks to Jen Birch for correcting us, apparently Barnack was never part of Lincolnshire although it is very close to the border.
Barnack Beauty apple identification images
All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.
USDA identification images for Barnack Beauty
The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.
Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Visitor reviews
- 18 Jan 2021 PETERBOROUGH, United KingdomWe have a couple of these trees planted circa 2016/2017 on mm106 rootstock. How old are they when they start to crop? We have its pollinators in the orchard e.g. Braeburn, Charles Ross, Grenadier and James Grieve.
- 25 May 2015 CAMBS, United KingdomI have a number of Barnack Be aunties in my garden. They are excellent for cider making. The last surviving original tree is in a cottage garden by the church
- 16 Apr 2011 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, United KingdomBedfore becoming part of Cambridgeshire, Barnak was in Northamptonshire
- 03 Oct 2008 NORTH YORKSHIRE, PREVIOUSLY NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, United KingdomTo get things absolutely right, Barnack was never in Lincolnshire nor since the 19th century administratively in Northamptonshire. Although geographically within the county of Northampton it was in that part known as the Soke of Peterborough which was administratively a county in its own right. It was because during one of the many 20th century reorganisations the Soke of Peterborough was amalgamated with Cambridgeshire rather than its parent county that Barnack no longer has the privilege of being in Northamptonshire.
- 21 May 2008 BARNACK, United KingdomI would point out that Barnack has never been in Lincolnshire but was originally in Northamptonshire before it was changed to Cambridgeshire. Barnack is only 1 mile from the Lincolnshire border but it's still in Cambs. (unfortunately) !!
- 10 Nov 2007 CAMBS/NORFOLK BORDER, United KingdomBarnack Beauty appears in a numer of old orchards in the Fens. I have 3 trees in my orchard, planted in the early 1900s. My neighbour also has one in his orchard. Barnack Beauty is a variety that often turns up for identification at "apple day" events in Lincs, Cambs and Norfolk. If you would like images of an old Barnack B tree in blossom and with fruit on, I would be happy to send it to you. Orchard Bob OP: Thanks Bob, please do.
- 01 Oct 2007 CAMBRIDGESHIRE, United KingdomI have a tree of this variety which produces a very good crop. It is a lovely eater although not sweet, and is very crisp. A tantalising mixture - tangy tempered by sweet.
Tree register
United States
- Axel Kratel in Santa Cruz, CALIFORNIA
United Kingdom
- Reach Community Orchard in Cambridge,
- Reach Community Orchard in Cambridge,
- Clifford Cain in Doncaster, SOUTH YORKSHIRE
- David Proe in Bristol, SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
- Deirdre Pawsey in Stamford, LINCOLNSHIRE
- Joanna in Cambridge, CAMBS
- Keith Crompton in Brafield On The Green, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
- Melanie in Nr Leicester, LEICESTERSHIRE
- Paul Firth in Louth, LINCOLNSHIRE
- Peter Revell in Hemel Hempstead, HERTS
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Originates from: United Kingdom
- Introduced: 1840
- UK National Fruit Collection accession: 1957-207
Identification
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Period of origin: 1800 - 1849
- Fruit colour: Orange flush
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green
- Popularity: Rarely grown
- Annual cycle: Deciduous
Using
- Picking season: Late
- Keeping (of fruit): 3 months or more
- Flavour quality: Good
- Flavour style (apples): Sharper
- Cropping: Good
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Culinary
- Picking period: mid-October
- Wildlife: RHS Plants for Pollinators
Growing
- Gardening skill: Average
- Flowering group: 4
- Pollinating others: Average
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Average vigour
- Bearing regularity: Regular
- Fruit bearing: Tip-bearer
- Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
Climate
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Climate suitability: Mild damp climates
- Summer average maximum temperatures: Cool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
Other qualities
- Disease resistance: Good
- Scab (Apple and Pear): Very resistant
- Powdery mildew: Some resistance
Where to buy trees
The following tree nurseries offer Barnack Beauty apple trees for sale:
- Keepers Nursery
United Kingdom More >>
Where to buy fresh fruit
No orchards have registered as growing this variety. If you grow this and want to register please go to our Orchard Registration form.
References
- Apples of England (1948)
Author: Taylor