Jersey Black

Why you should be excited

Jersey Black is an old apple from New Jersey that was once popular both for fresh eating and cider.

The story of Jersey Black

For hundreds of years, people have bred apples by keeping pollinating insects (and their random collections of pollen) away from the desired mother variety and pollinating the tree by hand with another selected variety.

That’s how it’s been done with most varieties that were bred rather than simply found.

Jersey Black is significant in this regard because – despite the fact that it is largely unknown today – it was used in breeding to create at least one variety that remains regionally-popular today: Macoun.

As you could maybe guess based on Macoun’s name, the other parent was the venerable McIntosh.

In addition to this note of fame, Jersey Black has very, very dark skin and can be used both for cidermaking and fresh eating.

Jersey Black Facts

Its origins

Unknown origins in New Jersey, USA, sometime before 1817.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Sweet, white, firm flesh.

Appearance

Very deep red (almost black) skin over a green background.

When they’re available

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

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for cider and fresh-eating.

Quality for cider

Good.

Keeping ability

Good (about 2 months when kept refrigerated).