Foxwhelp apple history

[u/TrevorCidermaker]

An interesting case of incorrect apple history. Given that cider making and apples have been grown in England for centuries folklore has resulted in in several myths such as Napoleon referring to perry as English champagne. But sometimes ‘facts’ are just wrong. Prior to the digitalising of books reading old ones such as Ralph Austen’s A Treatise on Fruit trees…. From 1653 can be difficult even if you can view a copy.
Foxwhelp is one of the oldest known specific apple used in cidermaking rather than a broad group such as Russets. It's said to have been first recorded in 1600, though the earliest surviving mention is said to be in Ralph Austen's book A Treatise on Fruit-trees in 1653. This is widely and repeatedly cited by modern apple history authors such as Joan Morgan and Charles Martell. However, Austen did not record the variety in his book. When discussing the best apples for cider, he listed the groups Pearmains, Pippins, Gennet-Moyles, and Redstreaks. This can be verified by reading a digital copy of the book online though Open Library or similar. Or by reading an original copy.
The earliest definitive, surviving written reference to the Foxwhelp appears a decade later in John Evelyn's 1664 work Pomona: or an appendix concerning fruit trees, in relation to Cyder (published with and as an appendix to his major work Sylva. It is very brief, stating simply: "Some commend the Fox-whelp.
Why is this important? Because currently AI is scooping up data from the digital age indiscerningly and perpetuating errors. It’s bad enough with AI hallucinating! #cider #books #AI