Ten Commandments

Why you should be excited

Ten Commandments is a mildly bittersweet English cider apple that’s also used for fresh eating and baking.

The story of Ten Commandments

This 19th century English apple isn’t particularly famous, but its name does lead people to ask why a mildly bittersweet cider apple would have a biblical name.

The answer has less to do with religion than its appearance – when you cut it in half. The idea here is that you cut the apple in half cross-ways (not through the stem and bottom of the apple, but right across the middle). Then lay the pieces down with the flesh facing up. See?

Well, if you don’t have one handy at the moment, I’ll describe: you can see exactly ten red dots spaced evenly around the core.

Kinda cool? Sure.

But the connection with the Bible? We’re not so sure about that, but we are happy to grow this cider apple, which can also be eaten fresh or used in cooking.

Ten Commandments Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Herefordshire, England, 1883.

Flavour, aroma, texture

A distinctive, unusual flavour some describe as ‘balsamic.’

Appearance

Medium-sized red apples with large, white freckles (lenticels).

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in mid-September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good, with a zip of acid.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

Good.

Keeping ability

So-so (a month or two at the most, if kept refrigerated).