| 'Crimson King' | |
| Species: | Malus domestica |
| Breeder: | John Toucher, Chardstock |
| Origin: | , 19th c. |
Crimson King, also known as John Toucher's or the Bewley Down Pippin, is a traditional cider apple cultivar originating in Somerset.
The cultivar was raised in the late 19th century by John Toucher of Bewley Down, Chardstock.[1] It was first widely planted in western Somerset, and subsequently in Devon and other West Country cider producing areas.[2]
The fruit is generally medium to large, variable in shape, and red-skinned.[3] In the standard classification of cider apples Crimson King is a (medium to full) "sharp", being high in acidity but low in tannin.
Crimson King is triploid and mid to late bearing. It makes a vigorous, spreading tree and was reputed to bear heavy crops without much tendency to biennial cropping,[4] although it is fairly prone to apple scab.