Catshead

Catshead

An old English culinary apple, whose origin is unclear but is considered a possible Worcestershire / Herefordshire apple. It is recorded as far back as the 1700s: another cooker that has been surpassed by more modern reliable varieties.

It takes its name from a supposed resemblance to a Cat’s face, the fruit coming in a vast range of sizes and odd shapes. It is a very angular and oblong apple. The skin becomes greasy with storage although they will keep beyond New Year. The flesh is white, sharp and cooks down to a good puree.

Despite being heavy croppers, disease resistance appears poor with the variety susceptable to scab and canker and the fruit to bitter pit. Definitely a worthy addition to a collection but there are undoubtably finer culinary apples to be had if looking for a single tree for a garden.

There are believed to be 28 varieties of Worcestershire apple

Facts & Figures

Introduced
1700s
Area
Midlands
Shapes
A vast range
All of the descriptions and photographs are by Wade Muggleton unless stated.