Black Dabinett

Why you should be excited

Black Dabinett is an English  bittersweet cider apple that probably deserves to be a whole lot better known than it is.

The story of Black Dabinett

Dabinett is one of the most respected of all English cider apples.

So why is it that Black Dabinett – likely either a minor genetic variation (known as a ‘sport’) or a seedling of Dabinett – is little known and not widely planted?

Because it is a lesser apple? Nope: Black Dabinett is reputed to be a more vigorous and happy-growing tree (let’s be blunt: a Dabinett tree tends to be pretty wimpy) that produces slightly larger and more eye-catching fruit of similar high quality and greater quantity. In other words, a much better and more productive tree and an apple that might just exceed the legendary quality of Dabinett.

Yes, Black Dabinett – originally known as Tommy Rodford – has lots going for it and deserves a more prominent place in cider orchards.

Black Dabinett Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Somerset, England, 1897.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Very high quality bittersweet juice.

Appearance

A large dark red (even purple) apple.

When they’re available

Very late season (in our orchard, we expect mid-October).

Quality for fresh eating

No good for fresh eating.

Quality for cooking

Too bitter to be used for anything other than cider.

Quality for cider

Excellent.

Keeping ability

Limited (best to press within a week or so of harvest).