Zone - Boston, USA. ca. 1740 - standard rootstock

Dessert, cooking, cider, baking

Parentage: Unknown
Baldwin was one of the most important commercial apples of the 19th century. Originally found as a chance seedling on the farm of a John Bull in Wilmington, Massachusetts, it was first called ‘Woodpecker’, because it was favored by the yellow bellied sapsuckers. It was later given to Colonel Luammi Baldwin to propagate; Baldwin planted it extensively on his land and furthered its popularity by giving cuttings to his loved ones and neighbours. The Baldwin was first listed by James Thacher in his 1822 edition of "The American Orchardist" with the comment that the Baldwin "...is a very valuable red apple, large and beautiful, fine flavoured and will keep until April. It is in high estimation in Massachusetts." It’s thick skin and firm flesh made it an excellent contender for keeping in storage, and it holds its shape in baking. The tree is vigorous, dense, and upright. Baldwin is a rare self-pollinating cultivar.