The spelling of the word "pippins" may seem confusing at first, but it is simply derived from its IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /ˈpɪpɪnz/, with a short "i" sound followed by the "p" sound repeated twice. The "-ins" suffix is commonly used in English to denote a plural form of a noun, hence "pippins" is the plural form of "pippin". Pippins are a type of apple that are small and round, with green or yellow skin and a tart flavor.
Pippins, also known as "pippin apples," are a type of apple cultivar that originated in medieval England. This term is commonly used to refer to a specific group of apple varieties that share certain characteristics, including a firm texture and a sweet-tart flavor profile.
Pippins are generally medium to large-sized apples with a round or slightly flattened shape. They often have a smooth and firm skin, which can range in color from pale yellow to green, sometimes with red or pink blushing. The flesh of pippins is typically creamy white or yellow, and it is known for its crispness and juiciness.
These apples are prized for their versatility in culinary applications. Due to their firmness, pippins hold up well when baked or cooked, making them ideal for pies, tarts, and other desserts. They can also be eaten fresh, as their sweet-tart flavor provides a refreshing taste. In addition to their culinary uses, pippins are sometimes pressed for making cider due to their naturally high sugar content.
Over the years, various specific apple varieties have been referred to as pippins, including the famous 'Granny Smith' and 'Golden Pippin' varieties. However, the term "pippins" is often used generically to describe any apple with similar characteristics.
The word "pippins" originated from Middle English "pipin", which was derived from Old French "pippin" and ultimately from Late Latin "pippinus". This Latin term referred to a type of apple, particularly one with seeds or pips. The Late Latin word was derived from the earlier Latin "pippus", which also meant apple. The root of the word can be traced back to the Latin "pippire" or "pipire" (to chirp or peep), imitating the sound of a bird picking the seeds out of an apple.