19 January 2011
The great Dorset cider revival continues with 20 "lost" varieties of apple found again by Powerstock Cider Festival organiser Nick Poole and renowned cider expert Liz Copas, author of A Somerset Pomona.
Here Nick and Liz talk about some of their most exciting discoveries and touch on some persisting mysteries.
From a tree in West Milton near Bridport, for example, they've analysed an apple that's currently being called Marlpits Late Bittersweet.
Nick thinks this produces a better single variety cider than the legendary Kingston Black (he thinks Golden Ball from Netherbury near Beaminster is also exceptional).
However, Liz says the Marlpits is a bit sharper than Kingston Black and she suspects that it might actually be an almost forgotten variety called Warrior. Tests in Thatchers' lab in Somerset suggest she might be right.
The Dorset Cider project began in 2007. One aim was always to re-populate the county with cider apple trees. So Nick and Liz have had 20 Dorset varieties propagated and trees are now going to be widely distributed and grown.
The handing over of trees day will be at Melplash on March 19, 2011.
Mother Orchard
There's going to be a "mother orchard" at Melplash containing specimens of all 20 types of tree. This will be on land owned by cider apple grower Rupert Best, well known for his work at the Bath & West Show. For more information see www.dorsetcider.com
Any varieties that really prove their worth may end up being grown on a commercial scale.
For more about the 20 varieties found, and the chance to buy a tree for £5, the grow it yourself, see www.realwestdorset.co.uk
