Chisel Jersey
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The term "Jersey" or "Jaysey" is applied to bittersweet type cider apples in Somerset; the equivalent varietal terms in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire are "Norman" and "French" respectively.[1]
"Chisel" may be derived from the old dialect word chesil, meaning a pebble, and refer to the apple's small, russetted appearance and hardness.[2]
History
'Chisel Jersey' is thought to have originated in the 19th century in Martock and for around a century was planted little outside the immediate area.[3] During the mid 20th century it was more widely planted in commercial orchards in Somerset and Dorset, and can still be found despite the subsequent destruction of many older orchards.
In the Martock district 'Chisel Jersey' was believed to be one of the parents of the commercially important cultivar 'Dabinett', a belief supported by subsequent research by the Long Ashton Research Station.
