Belle Fille de la Manche

Why you should be excited

Belle Fille de la Manche is a relatively-early ripening French bittersweet cider apple that’s known for its use in cidermaking as well as Calvados.

The story of Belle Fille de la Manche

Also known to some as Pomme à Poule, there’s a lot to like about this French bittersweet, including the fact that it is one of few cider varieties to both bloom and ripen fairly early in the season. Many others bloom weeks after the rest of the orchard and ripen equally late. So it’s nice to have a few (the English variety Bulmer’s Norman is another) that can allow cidermaking to get underway a bit sooner.

Discovered mid-19th century or earlier, Belle Fille de la Manche grows on a moderately vigorous tree that starts producing young. Both desirable attributes not shared with every other traditional cider variety.

The juice of Belle Fille de la Manche has been described as richly-amber, moderately bitter and well-suited to making quality traditional-style cider. Yet more good news.

Despite all these favourable attributes, you’ll be hard-pressed to find North Americans who’ve even heard of it.

I suppose that means it can stay our little secret.

Belle Fille de la Manche Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Normandy, France, mid 19th century or earlier.

Flavour, aroma, texture

For cider, it contributes fairly sweet, bitter juice.

Appearance

A smallish round-but-flattened apple with yellow skin and lenticels.

When they’re available

Mid-season (in our orchard, we expect early September).

Quality for fresh eating

This bittersweet cider apple is not for fresh eating.

Quality for cooking

Not a good idea to even try.

Quality for cider

Good. Moderately bitter.

Keeping ability

Minimal (best to press within a week of harvest).