Tremlett’s Bitter Apple Tree

Tremlett’s Bitter Apple Tree Overview

The Tremlett’s Bitter apple tree, also known as Tremblett’s Bitter, is a great cider apple that is high in tannin and is classified as a bittersweet. However, in some locations that have cooler summers, it can be classified as bittersharp. This heirloom variety produces a cider with a full, rich, spicy flavor when blended with a sweet and sharp cider apple. Moreover Tremlett’s Bitter apple tree originated in Devon, England in 1880.

Just like any other apple tree, it grows best when it’s planted in full sun in well drained soil. Additionally, this apple tree is moderately vigorous, and bears heavy crops biennially. Moreover, its flowers are tolerant of a late frost so you won’t need to worry about frost damage. Once it is 3-4 years old, it will start to bear heavy crops which will need to be thinned. When they are ready in the late season, you can pick them and make your cider! If there are too many to enjoy at once, you can store them for up to 3 weeks in cold storage. Their flavor will fully mature when it is 2 weeks in storage.

Growing Characteristics

• Uses: Cider
• Taste: Firm bittersweet/bittersharp (depending on the cooler temperatures) hard cider apple. Additionally, high in tannin. This cider apple is especially great when blended with a sweet and sharp cider apple. When it is blended, it creates a rich flavor and spices up the cider.
• Size: Medium
• Color: Dark red with dark stripes
• Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Disease resistance: 
• Harvest period: Late, mid-season. The fruit will drop when it’s ripe.
• Flowering Group: 5
• Cross Pollinates with: Brown Snout, Dabinett, Northern Spy to name a few.
• Cultivation: This apple tree is moderately vigorous, semi spreading and bears fruit on spurs. Since it bears heavy crops biennially, it will need to be thinned. It will be fully productive when it is 3/4 years old.
• Storage: You can store the apples for up to 3 weeks before the fruit declines but the flavor will become fully mature after 2 weeks in storage.
• Ease of care: Difficult