Adam’s Pearmain

Adam's Pearmain originated sometime before 1826 in Hereford, England. We know from our research that a Pearmain was originally a term for a "great apple." Like many heirlooms, its backstory is a bit vague. Evidently it was introduced by someone named "Adams" or maybe "Adam."  One source says, "R. Adam."  A bit of genealogy work might be in order here.  It picked up a few synonyms during its lifetime, including Hanging Pearmain (probably from its habit on the tree), Matchless (orchardists love superlatives) and Norfolk Pippin (which would suggest that it originated in Norfolk--maybe it did.) There's no clear record as to when it came to America, although it was likely not until the twentieth century.  It is not well known in the U.S. or Canada.  We first found out about it from Ike Kerschner of North Star Orchards in Pennsylvania.  Ike is someone always on the lookout for high quality dessert fruit. Thank s to Ike, we now have it growing in our orchard in Palermo.

For the dessert-apple aficionado, Adam’s Pearmain fills the bill.  The apple ripens in England in late fall and early winter.  In central Maine, it's somewhat earlier. We picked ours in 2019 on the 12th of October. It has a firm texture and a brisk, aromatic flavor: tart, citrusy, a little grassy, with a lemon head in nose. The medium-sized red-striped fruit has an unusual oval shape.