Planted in the orchard in 2002 this is possibly one of the earliest English apple varieties with records going back to 1292. For many centuries it was thought extinct before it was found in an ancient forgotten orchard near the Wotton Estate in Buckinghamshire, which itself goes back to the 17th century. The name Costard comes from the Latin word Costa or rib as the apple is indeed heavily ribbed. There has been, however, over the centuries, much confusion over the description and name which can vary, especially of an apple with such a long history and probably many graftings and mutations in the passing of time.
This Costard is a large culinary apple that keeps well and is an excellent cooker that holds its shape in cooking. It is good for pies, tarts as well as sauces. It ripens late in October and keeps well until late winter.