Paignton Marigold 
 
Eater / Cider
 
1700’s Paignton, Devonshire
 
Self-Sterile (needs a pollinator)
 
Early/Mid Harvester – August - October 
 
It is thought this is the ‘Summer Marigold’ that Hogg mentions in 1851. He states that this ‘a handsome fruit’ he talks about a ‘favourite of South Devon’ which is larger than the Golden Pippin with 2 types of red streaking covering the whole fruit. The juice gives up freely & ripens the end of August. Sound familiar? Downing in 1869 states something similar for his version of the ‘Summer Marigold’ but we know it wasn’t until much later in 1934 the name ‘Paignton Marigold’ was adopted instead.
 
This is a much rated medium bitter-sweet cider apple if picked early in august or wait until fully ripe in September where it seems to lose its harsher tannins & matures into quite a fine eater. The apples are actually rather too large for the tree. It has a lovely white-green undercoat paired with a deep crimson & cerise flush over the surface making quite the statement. The interior is crisp, white & juicy.