Golden Bittersweet

Why you should be excited

Golden Bittersweet is an obscure 19th century English bittersweet cider apple with a somewhat hazy history.

The story of Golden Bittersweet

History, of course, is controlled to a great extent by historians, whose word we must take for events that precede our own existence. When history becomes muddled, well, we’re a bit stuck.

Thankfully, in the case of apples, we at least have the trees and the fruit to speak us their truth.

So, when apple historians tell us there’s agreement that Golden Bittersweet is a 19th century variety from Devonshire, that’s great.

When we read one source saying it is an early ripener and another saying it is late, one saying it’s russetted and another that it’s not not, well, that’s not so great.

As a new variety in our orchard, we can’t say who’s right. But we do know that time — and our orchard — will tell.

Golden Bittersweet Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Devonshire, England, sometime before 1884.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The juice for cider is plentiful and mildly bittersweet.

Appearance

A large yellow-green apple.

When they’re available

Sources disagree. We will see.

Quality for fresh eating

Used only for cider.

Quality for cooking

As I said, used only for cider.

Quality for cider

Good.

Keeping ability

Limited (you’ll want to sweat them for a few weeks before pressing).