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Harrison cider apple trees

• Best seller
• Gardening skill: Average
• Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
• Pollination group: 3
• Uses: Juice
• Uses: Hard cider

• List of other varieties that will pollinate Harrison

Harrison is quite unusual, an American apple variety that was grown primarily for cider (hard or sweet). In England and France most hard-cider is produced using apple varieties grown specifically for that purpose, but the tradition in North America has been to use mainstream apples for cider production.

Harrison is also unusual in being one of the few varieties which happens to have a harmonious balance of the key elements of good cider juice - tannin (bitter), sugar (sweet), and acid (sharp). It can therefore be used to make a single-varietal cider.

Historical details

Harrison has an interesting history. It was well-known in the eastern states in the 18th and 19th centuries, originating from Essex County, New Jersey, but appeared to have become extinct by the start of the 20th century. It was however accurately described in old literature (particularly its distinctive yellow color), and in the late 20th century apple enthusiast Tom Burford was able to track down two old trees, from which scions have since been propagated.

Similar varieties

• Malus domestica
  Campfield
  Harrison and Campfield are ideal partners for cider blends.