Russell’s Russet

This chance seedling of unknown parentage was discovered near Locke’s Corners on the Bean Road in Mt. Vernon, ME by Russell Libby, the late executive director of MOFGA. Russell was an avid fruit explorer and was always on the lookout for old varieties. Russell gave John three apples just before he was heading off on a taste test tour in 1998. Although he wasn’t impressed by the sight of the samples, they turned out to be the surprise favorites that fall on three separate occasions. On March 3, 1999 John collected scionwood from the tree with Russell. John suspected that it was an unnamed seedling rather than an old grafted tree. Fortunately they grafted new trees with the scions as the original is now gone. John named this delicious variety in honor of his good friend.

Excellent flavor for fall dessert eating. Brownish, lightly russet skin is thin enough to be easy to chew. Not a late keeper like Golden Russet. By mid-October they are “gone by.”

This variety is now being tested in other central Maine locations. We think this will be an excellent variety to try in northern areas.