At Black Diamond Farm we grow about 150 varieties of apples, mostly heirloom varieties selected over the centuries in Europe and North America for their unique flavors, textures and blending attributes in sweet and hard ciders.
Cider apples are divided into four basic categories:
- Bittersweets – high tannins, low acid
- Bittersharps – high tannins, high acid
- Sharps – low tannins, high acid
- Sweets – low tannins, low acid
Many bitters come from Europe originating from countries like England and France. While some sharps also originated in Europe, many others are of North American origin and are commonly considered heirloom varieties. Below are some of the varieties that we grow which can often be found in our ciders.
Ashmeads Kernel
Blue Pearmain
Brown Snout
Calville Blanc
Chestnut Crab
Chisel Jersey
Coat Jersey
Cox Orange Pippin
Dabinett
Egremont Russet
Golden Russet
Goldrush
Harry Masters Jersey
Herefordshire Redstreak
Kingston Black
Liberty
Major
Newtown Pippin
Pink Pearl
Porters Perfection
Roxbury Russet
Stembridge Jersey
Tompkins County King
Tremletts Bitter
