Sharp Varieties

Bramley Seedling
Type – Sharp
Origin – Nottinghamshire
Class – Culinary

JezH –
Harvests September – October (although can go later). OK, I admit to using Bramley in my cider. In fact, I intend to produce an ‘eastern counties’ blend which will have Bramley in too. Very poor reputation amongst cider makers, but useful to increase acidity – although that is pretty much all it will do. Vigorous growth, prone to scab – leaving the fruit on the tree for longer helps its flavour profile.

Browns Apple
Type – Sharp
Origin – Devon
Class – Cider

AndrewLea –
Harvests end October. Apples have fruity aroma. Tree – growth vigorous tends to biennialism. Scab resistant. Susceptible to canker and mildew.

Crimson King
Type – Sharp
Origin – Somerset (?)
Class – Culinary/Cider

AndrewLea –
Harvests mid October. Large fruits but better for cider than Bramley. Tree – large triploid. Scab susceptible.

Frederick
Type – Sharp
Origin – Monmouthshire
Class – Culinary/Cider

AndrewLea –
Harvests mid-October.  Very fruity and characteristic high quality, but may not store long. Tree growth moderate, light crop, drooping and awkwardly placed growth. Susceptible to canker.

Grenadier
Type – Sharp
Origin – Buckinghamshire (?)
Class – Culinary

JezH –
Harvests late August – September. Fairly bland cooking apple, whose only job in cider would be to increase acidity. Milder than Bramley, but an awful keeper due to its early harvesting. Tree – medium - large tree which will head towards biennialism if not cared for.

James Grieve
Type – Mild Sharp
Origin – Edinburgh
Class – Culinary/Dessert/Cider

JezH –
Planted MM106, bare rooted maiden in 2009 (Ashridge). No fruit expected for a while yet, although this apple has a bit of a multiple personality – it starts as a mild sharp and then gets sweeter, becoming edible.  An early apple, so will not keep well. Image courtesy of Fruitwise.

If you would like us to include your variety, or if you want to add your review/comments, please contact us through the group - images are always useful.