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Early apples are usually eaten straight from the tree as they do not tend to keep well. 'James Grieve' is one of the best-known varieties, happiest in the north or drier east of the country. The well-flavoured large fruits can be picked in July for cooking, and may still be worth eating as late as Christmas if stored, although they are by then very soft. Like all apples, trees are grafted on rootstocks which affect their size and vigour, and may be trained in a number of different shapes. Pruning depends on the tree form and vigour of the rootstock, and should be checked in a handbook. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).