Bittersharp Cider Apples & Crabapples
Bittersharps have both high acid and high tannin. A little goes a long way in a cider blend, adding the grip and structure that dessert apples can't. In cold country, crabapples are the easiest way to get it.
More about bittersharps
Most of this list is crabs, and they're as hardy as anything we grow. Dolgo and Trail take zone 1b, Kerr applecrab zone 2, and Hyslop zone 3. Hewe's Virginia is the old Virginia cider crab and one of our top-scored cider fruits.
For full size apples, Franklin (zone 3) and Swiss Limbertwig (zone 4) are the bittersharps we grow. Franklin resists scab too.
Pair these with sharps or sweet dessert apples, and see our best apples for hard cider for the top scorers. The crabs here are strong pollenizers too, so they earn their spot in the orchard twice.
Questions we get
What is a bittersharp apple?
A cider apple high in both acid and tannin. It adds body, structure and bite to a blend.
Can you make hard cider with crabapples?
Yes. Dolgo, Trail, Hyslop and Hewe's Virginia crabs are bittersharps, and a portion of crab in a blend adds the tannin most eating apples lack.
What's the hardiest cider apple?
Dolgo and Trail crabapples, both hardy to zone 1b. Kerr applecrab takes zone 2.
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