ZOETE, GRAAUWE, GORINCHEMSCHE HOLAART.
olaart, Zoete, Graauwe, Gorinchemsche.
See: Beschrijving der vruchtsoorten [Description of fruit varieties], first series, N°.41.
Origin not known anymore; presumably grown in the surroundings of the city of Gorinchem, hence the name "Zoete Holaart"; this variety has been described and illustrated by KNOOP, but differs from the apple discussed here. The syn. "Binderzoete" and "Kaneel-zoete", attributed to the "Holaart" by KNOOP are not of this variety, they are other apples. The "Süszer Holaart", described in the Handbuch, I, page 63, is, according to Mr. OBERDIECK, the same apple as our "Witte or Blanke Zoete".
SHAPE: few variations, with flat rises all over the apple
SIZE: third grade
EYE: closed, fine sepals, grey; narrow cavity, medium deep, surrounded by small ribs
STALK: medium length, woody, in narrow cavity, medium deep and uneven, covered with greyish brown russeting
The COLOUR: as illustrated; becomes a more sad goldish yellow when ripening, for the greater part covered with a dull, brown heavy russeting; on places without russeting, one sees small grey lenticels, skin feels rough.
The FLESH is slightly more yellow as illustrated, firm, somewhat dry, fine, very sweet, no bitter taste in the skin, as is the case with so many sweet stew apples.
TIME OF USE: January - April. First grade for the kitchen.
The TREE is a moderate grower, rather fertile, on clay we recommend a standard tree; one of the most excellent apples of its kind on the market; travels well.