Bullock (American Golden Russet)

American Golden Russet is one of the many high-quality dessert russets traditionally grown in Maine. Russet is not a variety but rather a skin condition where the surface of the apple has the appearance and texture of suede or unglazed pottery.  Many apples are partly or completely covered with russet.  Unfortunately for the apple identifier, many of these russeted apples are similar in looks to one another and most old timers didn't particularly care to distinguish between them - they just called them "Russet" or sometimes, "Golden Russet".  But the russets can be distinguished by when they ripen and how long they keep. 

The one we call Bullock or American Golden Russet ripens in early October, earlier than most other russets, and keeps until January. The fruit is recognizable by its yellowish (not golden) russet coloring and its long stem. It's delicious for fresh eating.

It is reputed to have originated in Winthrop, Maine by Dr. Vaughan. (The Vaughan estate still has a Black Oxford tree, documented to have been planted in 1799. It's awesome.) Other sources say that the apple originated in Burlington County, New Jersey in the mid-1700's. The oldest documentation of its growing in Maine is when Nathan Foster of Gardiner brought fruit to the Maine Pomological meeting in January 1856.