There are 55
acres of cider apple
orchards, about half of which
are standard trees and half are
bush trees. A standard tree is
produced from a root stock and
builds a good 'stem' or trunk
which has no branches for 6 feet.
It does not produce a good crop
of apples for about 15 years,
and its best yield is
between the ages of 30-60 years.
Its economic lifespan is 80 years.
Planting is approximately 50
per acre.
A
bush tree branches closer to
the ground, with a short trunk.
It crops at 5 years and its best
yields are between the ages of
15-30 years. Its economic lifespan
is about 45 years. Planting is approx
200 per acre.
Cider apples are
not always pleasant to eat,
due to the tannin in them.
They may be divided into the
following categories:
Cider apples are
allowed to fall so that they are
very ripe. They are picked up by
machine into a trailer, and then
taken into the yard, and tipped
into the apple hopper. After washing,
the apples are crushed in the mill
and the resulting pulp is pressed
to produce apple
juice. Fermentation takes place naturally
in oak vats. Whilst on your walk
you can view the apple hopper,
bays and press where you will find
explanatory diagrams.
Remember that
this is a harvest, and that only
visitors during October and November
will be able to see apple gathering
and pressing. The museum
video is an excellent way to
learn about the whole cidermaker's
year. (Tokens are available
from the shop)
