Spitzenburg

or Spitz·en·berg

[ spit-suhn-burg ]

noun

1. any of several red or yellow varieties of apple that ripen in the autumn.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Spitzenburg¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; short for Esopus Spitzenberg, after Esopus, N.Y. + Dutch spits “point” + berg “mountain”; so called from its being found on a hill near Esopus

Example Sentences

Others, such as Esopus Spitzenburg, are good for cider but also fresh eating.

From Washington Post

“Some of the Brix that we have pulled off Wickson and Spitzenburg would be highly unusual in colder climates,” he says, referring to the measurement of the apple’s sugar content.

From Washington Post

A lengthy computer database lists apples including the Shackleford, the Flushing Spitzenburg and the Dickinson— all varieties rediscovered by the project.

From Washington Post

A lengthy computer database lists apples including the Shackleford, the Flushing Spitzenburg and the Dickinson- all varieties rediscovered by the project.

From Washington Times

Josh Morgenthau of Fishkill Farms in New York, meanwhile, would like to see more credit given to the Esopus Spitzenburg, a New York original known for its spicy profile and, some say, a particular favorite of Thomas Jefferson’s.

From Seattle Times