Dabinet’ probably dates from the early 1900s, when it was found by William Dabinett growing as a wilding (a natural seedling) in a hedge at Middle Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset. The exact genetic makeup of Dabinett is unknown, though one ‘parent’ was probably the Chisel Jersey apple, a similar late “bittersweet” variety. The variety became very popular and was widely planted across the south-west of England.
A seedling of this variety, known as ‘Black Dabinett’, also locally known as ‘Tommy Rodford’, arose at Kingsbury Episcopi near Martock. It is similar to ‘Dabinett’ proper but is purplish in colour and generally more vigorous.
