Kingston Black

Kingston Black is one of the most famous English cider apples, widely regarded as a benchmark for single-variety cider production.

It produces a full-bodied cider with a distinctive balance of sweetness, sharpness, and tannin.

Features

• Produces high-quality single-variety cider
• Abundant red-amber juice with strong character
• Sweet-sharp flavour with rich fruitiness and tannic structure
• Full-bodied cider apple with distinctive profile
• Spreading growth habit
• Traditional heritage cider variety

Origins / Notes

Raised at Kingstone near Taunton in Somerset and introduced to the Bollitree Estate in Herefordshire in the 1820s. It has since become one of the most iconic British cider apples.

Pollination Season

Mid-season

Harvesting Season

Late season, typically October to early November.

Storage

Best used immediately after harvest for cider production. Not suitable for storage, as fruit quality is optimised when pressed fresh.

Need help choosing your Rootstock?

Please refer to our Rootstock Guide in the first instance.

Need help selecting your organic apple tree?

You might want to have a read of our Guide - How to Choose the Right Apple Tree - that gives an overview of all the decisions you'll need to make and tips on how to make them.