A previously unknown apple variety has been discovered growing in a back garden in Luton, England, after fruit from the tree was donated to charity. The apple was found on Clarendon Road in the High Town area of the town in 2023, growing on a tree estimated to be between 70 and 90 years old.
The variety was tested last year at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in Cambridge, where it was compared against thousands of other apple varieties from the United Kingdom and Europe, according to Antena 3 CNN.
A new chapter in Luton's apple history
Connie Depp, founder of Luton Orchards, called the find a wonderful addition to the town's history. She linked it to a 1958 case involving a local resident, Alfred Hall, who grew an apple variety that later became known as Pam's Delight, named after his daughter Pamela.
Depp described the taste of the new apple as perfect for making puree. She said its flavour changes markedly as it ripens, moving from tart to pleasant before becoming somewhat wine-like once overripe.
DNA testing indicated the apple's likely parent varieties are two 19th-century apples, Newton Wonder and James Grieve, Depp said. She explained that Newton Wonder grew from a tree found on the thatched roof of a pub in King's Newton, Derbyshire, around 1870, while James Grieve is a Scottish variety dating from 1893.
Origins of the tree remain a mystery
The current owner of the tree, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were glad to be part of the remarkable discovery. Who planted the tree, and why, remains unknown.
Depp said research carried out by a family historian, along with conversations with former residents, had so far failed to produce an answer. She added that fruit trees were once common in Luton gardens, and that the area around the tree is marked as containing fruit trees on historic Ordnance Survey maps.
Luton Orchards has drawn up a shortlist of possible names for the new variety and is inviting the public to vote. The options include Clarendon Blush and Luton Wonder.
