Virtual Tour
Cider Apples
Here are some of the better known English cider apples we have in our orchard.
Tremlett’s Bitter
This old and proven variety is a favourite of cider makers. Trees up to 200 years old and approaching 2’ in diameter are still productive in parts of England. The fully ripe fruit initially tastes sweet, but quickly becomes puckering as the tannins envelop your taste buds with a flavour likened to tea!
Michelin
Originally brought to Herefordshire in 1884, this moderately vigorous and productive variety is the most widely planted variety in modern bush orchards in Britain. The tightly clustered fruit remains a very light yellow/green colour until maturity and even good fruit crops may remain camouflaged to the untrained eye until ripe. The fruit is a moderate tannin and acid.
Yarlington Mill
One of the true Somerset Jersey cider apples, this variety is very popular in the western districts of England. It has a reputation for high yields. The apples are striped and contain high tannin levels with moderate to lower acid and a bit of sweetness.
Dabinett
Originally from the Martock-Kingsbury area of Somerset, this apple was likely developed from the Chisel Jersey variety. Generally a weak grower and ripens late. The juice is soft, full-bodied and very aromatic.
Chisel Jersey
Also from the Martock-Kingsbury area of Somerset, this variety has a good reputation dating back approximately 150 years. The name is likely a derivative of the term ‘Jay-see’ signifying a bitter apple with a ‘nose’ with features common to all Jersey apples. Often identified by its healthy long leaves. This fruit yields a full-bodied astringent juice.