Cider Apple Varieties
Growing on Farnum Hill

Apologies to anyone annoyed by names of distant places and long-dead fruit specialists. We did not want to write a full report, but thought a few hints might prompt some people to click on Cider Books.
 
BITTERSWEETS

Ashton Bitter:   Seedling from a Dabinett/Stoke Red cross by Mr. G.T.Spinks, Fruit Breeder at Long Ashton, 1947. Juice low-acid, medium tannin.

Bramtot:   French seedling of mid-1800's, reputedly from the old variety Martin Fessar; taken to England by the Woolhope Naturalists' Field Club in 1884. Juice low acid, high-tannin, excellent.

Chisel Jersey:   Old variety, concentrated around Martock, central Somerset. Juice bittersweet and very astringent.

Ellis Bitter:   Devon variety, origin uncertain. Juice low-acid, mildly astringent, bitter.

Major:   Common in old farm orchards of Devon and south Somerset. Full bittersweet.

Dabinett:   Reputedly a seedling of Chisel Jersey, probably found in the Martock area of central Somerset , mid-1800's. Still widely planted for today's U..K. cider industry, thanks to its excellent bittersweet juice and manageable growth and fruiting habits.

Harry Masters' Jersey:   An old variety perhaps more properly named Port Wine, as it still is called around Glastonbury in Somerset. Juice low acidity, medium tannin.

Michelin:   Like Bramtot, a highly-rated French variety introduced to England by the Woolhope Club in the late 1800's. Juice low-acid, medium tannin. In England , and here, it produces useful but undistinguished juice.

Nehou:   A French variety introduced into Herefordshire early 20th century. Juice of pronounced bittersweet character; excellent quality.

Somerset Redstreak:   Named after the original Redstreak promoted by a Lord Scudamore in the 17th century. Around 1920, Somerset Redstreak appeared as a "rogue" at the Long Ashton research station. Juice bittersweet, excellent quality.

Yarlington Mill:   An old variety common in farm orchards of central Somerset. Juice low-acid, medium tannin.

BITTERSHARPS

Foxwhelp:   Mentioned in print 1664, origin earlier, in Herefordshire or Gloucestershire. Juice high-tannin, high-acid, and highly valued.

Kingston Black:   Sugar content high in good seasons, full bodied. Distinctive flavor and excellent quality. Known for magnificent single-variety ciders

Stoke Red:   Sugar content above average, good aroma and fruity flavor, excellent vintage quality.

SWEETS

Sweet Alford:   Sugar content above average, good juice yield, one of the most valuable all-round vintage varieties.

SHARPS

Brown's Apple:   A South Devon cider apple, probably from the village of Staverton. Juice acidic, little astringency, good quality.  

Ashmead's Kernel



Bramtot Bittersweet



Medaille d'Or Bittersweet





Foxwhelp Bittersharp