Holstein apple

Holstein apple identification images

All images copyright Orange Pippin unless otherwise stated.

USDA identification images for Holstein

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

• 09 Sep 2024 

  First harvest from this tree in 2024 consisted of one apple. It was the most transcendant flavor I have tasted in an apple. I would characterize it as orange-pineapple. Unbelievable. I am going to graft a couple more next year.
• 29 May 2021  MO, United States

  Looking for some sion wood of the Holstein apple variety
• 16 Sep 2019  SURREY/ + SILESIA, United Kingdom

  I have approx 30 different varieties of apples and Holstein with Christmas pippin are my favorites. They grow well in the south UK as well as in the south of Poland where both locations have orchards. we try to train some of them on espaliers and this year (7th from planting gave fantastic crop
• 29 Jan 2016  BRANDENBURG, Germany

  This variety is the originally called „Holsteiner Cox“ from the former historical region „Holstein“ in the northern of Germany. Meanwhile quite common on sale in super markets here. Some traders use this one as substitute for the famous Cox Orange Pippin. But they are more different than equal regarding the taste from my point of view even if the same family. Holstein is characterized by a richly spiced enjoyable acid if fully ripe which tends to be like its apple grand father Ribston Pippin as often assumed. The taste experience is amongst others very dependent on the storage conditions and the „right moment“. I would recommend to keep the bought ones cool and let the basic color change from green to a slight yellow. Eat them well cooled (around 50 °F / 10 °C) to get a fresh, juicy and dense flesh. You can also use this apple for pies, cakes or remove the core and directly bake it in an oven with a nut-butter-cream or almond paste filling (Don't forget the vanilla sauce for Christmas season). The skin remains comparatively fine while cooking. All in all this is definitely one of the most underestimated apples.
• 23 Oct 2015  MASSACHUSETTS, United States

  Flavor in New England not as rich or complex to my taste buds as its reputation. Taste before you plant, or you may be disappointed by it.
• 15 Apr 2013  WISCONSIN, United States

  I grow 54 varieties of apples and Holstein is my flavor favorite. Beats the hell out of Honeycrisp. I only wish I could coax more production out of my trees. I have it on two different rootstocks, and both are stingy producers. Plus, if you just look at these apples they fall from the tree. If it didn't taste so good I would prune both trees---at ground level! When I have a few to take to market, they fly off the table. People will most often just buy everything I have in one purchase! If anyone knows how to get more production from these trees, please let me know!
• 29 Apr 2012  COLORADO, United States

  I'm still waiting to taste one, which will likely be from my own tree. I purchased the tree mailorder in 2011, along with several other hard to find varieties, from Maple Valley Orchards, in Wisconsin, USA.
• 20 Jul 2010  WASHINGTON, United States

  Question for Florian D. in WA: If you've just planted your Holstein Cox in '09, let me know how it does and your regard for its taste. Your name keeps coming up re apples that pique my interest. Dave Liezen, Spokane
• 14 Nov 2009  IRELAND, Ireland

  Just eaten a lovely, organic, German one of these. I will definetly be a repeat buyer.
• 13 Mar 2009  LANGLEY, BC, Canada

  Comment for Antje. You will not see Holstein apples for sale on the lower mainland. I've not seen them in any nursery either. You can graft your own tree or buy one from someone who grafts trees. The graft material for Holstein is available. It comes from local home gardens. It is a very good 'cox' style apple for the wet weather of the westcoast of BC. Scab resistant.
• 16 Feb 2009  OR, United States

  This apple is grown by many in the Home Orchard Society. It is one of my favorites in my own orchard. I like it as a fresh eater and as a pie.
• 20 Oct 2008  VANCOUVER, BC, Canada

  Is this the "Holsteiner Cox"? Holstein Cox is very common in Northern Germany. It was grown from Cox Orange in the region of Holstein. It is my favourite dessert apple, but unfortunately I have never seen it in Canada even though the West Coast climate is quite similar to Northern Germany.

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Where to buy trees

The following tree nurseries offer Holstein apple trees for sale:

• Orange Pippin Fruit Trees (USA) United States
  Holstein apple trees
• Cummins Nursery
  United States  More >>
• Keepers Nursery
  United Kingdom  More >>

Where to buy fresh fruit

The following orchards grow Holstein:

United States

• California

  • Arroyo Community Garden, Petaluma

• Georgia

  • Freedom Farms - Apple & Peach Orchard, Chatsworth

• Iowa

  • Wilson's Orchard, Iowa City

• Maine

  • Tiny Orchards, Saco

• New York

  • Black Diamond Farm, Trumansburg

• Washington

  • Skipley Farm, Snohomish        *** Feature Orchard ***

Canada

• British Columbia

  • Salt Spring Apple Company, Salt Spring Island
  • Starry Night Meadows Farm, Mayne Island

References

• Some Antique Apples for Modern Orchards, (2008)
  Author: Merwin I.A.