Valued for fruit used to produce Cider, Cider apple trees differ in the acidity and sweetness of the fruit that they produce, different cider apple trees will produce a different type of cider. However growing conditions are the same as for other varieties.
As the fruit is to be processed some aspects of quality control are minimized compared to other apple tree varieties. Hail damage, russeting and dimpling are not regarded as issues.
Cider apples have been specifically selected and developed for their specific acidity and tannin qualities related to cider production. Usually these are trees that are of French or English origin.
Cider Apple Varieties
Although you can make cider from any apples you will find that many eating apple varieties are just not capable of producing a good cider. The UK is said to be the home of cider however cider has been popular in France, Spain and other Europen counties for many years.
The different varieties are characterised as
- Sweet which have low tannin and low acidity such as Golden Harvey and Sweet Coppin.
- Bittersweet which have high tannin and low acid, these include Bulmer’s Norman,Dabinett, Michelin. Yarlington Mill and Somerset Redstreak.
- Sharp, low tannin and high acid, such as Brown’s Apple and Improved Foxwhelp.
- Bittersharp with high tannin and high acid, such as Kinfston Black and Breakwell’s Seedling.
So varieties such as Bulmers Norman are popular, an early producer, fast fermenting juice and mildly bitter/sweet cider. While Golden Harvey will produce a sweet rich cider with a strong alcohol level.
In terms of Cider Apples, apples certainly aint just Apples
You may also be intested in
- apple trees
- cider apples
- crabapple trees
- coddling moth control
- bird nets for fruit trees
- heritage fruit trees
Cider Apple Trees are available for sale from the following nurseries and growers.
Mail order fruit tree nursery with over 200 temperate climate fruit trees.
Heritage varieties and dwarf fruit trees. Apple Trees, Stone Fruit, Nut Trees and Berry Fruit.
www.yalcafruittrees.com.au