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Cider Apple Trees

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Cider Apple Trees

Cider apples are not usually edible but are grown for the qualities of their juice and tend to be rich in tannins and sugars. The tannins adds bitterness to the cider and the sugar encourages fermentation, giving rise to strength. Cider apples can be divided into four groups based on the characteristics of the juice they produce.
 

  • Sweets are low in both acidity and tannins.
  • Sharps are high in acidity and low in tannins.
  • Bittersweets are low in acidity and high in tannins.
  • Bittersharps are high in both acidity and tannins.


Only a few varieties make a good cider on their own so cider is usually blended from several different varieties to give the best results.

 

We offer a range of traditional cider apples grafted onto MM106 semi vigorous rootstock. Trees will reach a maximum height and spread of 3-4m (10-13ft). To ensure rapid establishment, trees are supplied bare-rooted and will be 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) high on despatch (including the roots). Trees are available from late November to late April.

 

Don't forget to include tree stakes and ties on your order.  All young fruit trees require staking and for better establishment we strongly advise using Rootgrow when planting (as recommended in RHS planting guidelines).

Crab Apples (Malus) Culinary & Dual Purpose Apples Dessert Apples Apple Tree Growing Guide

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(image for) Apple Tree 'Bloody Ploughman'
£34.95Apple Tree 'Bloody Ploughman'First recorded in 1883, there is an interesting story behind the name of this well-known Scottish apple. It originates from the Carse of Gowrie where allegedly a ploughman was shot dead by a gamekeeper for stealing apples from the Megginch Estate. When the ploughman's body was returned to his wife she found some of the stolen apples in his pockets and got rid of them on the rubbish heap. One of the seedlings that subsequently grew produced apples that were blood red in colour and the tree gave rise to the cultivar that was named after the unfortunate ploughman. The fruits are crisp and juicy and when fully ripe can darken to an almost purple colour. The flesh is often stained red which makes it a good variety for juicing and it can also be used to produce cider. It is often considered a dessert apple in Scotland, but the flavour is not particularly sweet and in England it tends to be regarded as a cooker. It makes lovely apple sauce and beautiful pink pies and crumbles. The tree is disease resistant and hardy, performing well in colder areas of the UK.Buy Now
(image for) Apple Tree 'King of the Pippins'
£34.95Apple Tree 'King of the Pippins'An extremely versatile apple that can be eaten fresh, cooked, or used for making cider. The history of this variety is somewhat confused but it is thought to have originated from France in the 18th century. Eaten fresh, the fruits are crisp and juicy with a very rich, sweet-sharp flavour. When cooked, the fruits keep their shape and are well suited to the French dessert 'Tarte Tatin'. The tree is highly productive, easy to grow and disease resistant.Buy Now
(image for) Cider Apple Tree 'Angela'
£34.95Cider Apple Tree 'Angela'This new early season cider apple is in great demand at the moment. It produces a well flavoured pink juice that is described as bittersharp. The tree is heavy cropping and has some resistance to Scab.Buy Now
(image for) Cider Apple Tree 'Brown's Apple'
£34.95Cider Apple Tree 'Brown's Apple'This vintage cider apple dates back to Devon around in the 1900's and is widely grown in the south west. The medium sized bright red apples produce a juice that is classed as 'sharp' and will make good quality single variety cider with a fruity aroma and little astringency. The tree is heavy cropping and can become biennial bearing if the fruits aren't thinned. Good scab resistance.Buy Now
(image for) Cider Apple Tree 'Dabinett'
£34.95Cider Apple Tree 'Dabinett'Discovered in Somerset in the late 19th century, this is usually considered the most reliable cider variety and is widely planted in the UK. The small greenish yellow fruits are flushed and striped red and produce a high quality full bittersweet juice.Buy Now
(image for) Cider Apple Tree 'Ellis Bitter'
£34.95Cider Apple Tree 'Ellis Bitter'This old English cider apple originates from Devon in the 19th century is still widely grown in the West Country and Herefordshire. The red flushed fruits are relatively large for a cider apple and make a good quality medium bittersweet cider that is useful for blending. The tree is vigorous and heavy cropping.Buy Now
(image for) Cider Apple Tree 'Harry Masters Jersey'
£34.95Cider Apple Tree 'Harry Masters Jersey'Often known as 'Port Wine', this widely planted vintage cider apple was raised by Mr Harry Masters in Yarlington, Somerset in the late 19th Century. The small-medium sized fruits are flushed dark red and produce a medium to full bittersweet cider with a soft astringency.Buy Now
(image for) Cider Apple Tree 'Helen's Apple'
£34.95Cider Apple Tree 'Helen's Apple'A new bittersweet cider apple from the Long Ashton breeding program in Bristol. The juice is sweet and astringent with low acidity. The tree is a very heavy and regular cropper. Resistant to scab.Buy Now
(image for) Cider Apple Tree 'Kingston Black'
£34.95Cider Apple Tree 'Kingston Black'Discovered in Taunton in the late 18th century this vintage variety was referred to by the Victorian fruit enthusiast Hogg as 'the most valuable cider apple'. The fruits are small, dark maroon in colour and produce a highly aromatic bittersharp juice that can be made into an excellent single variety cider. It is not the easiest variety to grow and is a relatively light cropper but nevertheless is popular amongst cider enthusiasts.Buy Now
(image for) Cider Apple Tree 'Knotted Kernal'
£34.95Cider Apple Tree 'Knotted Kernal'An old Somerset cider apple, first recorded in 1842 but probably dates back much further. A highly valued variety producing heavy crops of medium-small deep red fruits that are high in sugar content. The juice produces a quality bitter-sweet cider. The tree is vigorous and can take some years to start cropping.Buy Now
(image for) Cider Apple Tree 'Morgan Sweet'
£34.95Cider Apple Tree 'Morgan Sweet'An old Somerset cider variety, thought to be over 300 years old. The fruits are large for a cider apple and sweet enough to be eaten as a dessert apple. Low in tannins and acidity, the juice is good for blending with other varieties. Fermentation is quick and it is possible to produce a light fruity cider ready drink before Christmas. The tree is vigorous and heavy cropping.Buy Now
(image for) Cider Apple Tree 'Porter's Perfection'
£34.95Cider Apple Tree 'Porter's Perfection'This medium bittersharp cider apple originates from Somerset in the 19th century and was incredibly popular at the turn of the 20th century. Good as a single variety but the juice is rather acidic and is best blended with other varieties to make a full bodied, vintage quality cider. Heavy crops of small fruits with a dark red flush. Resistant to scab.Buy Now
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