Pig Aderyn

Pig Aderyn, meaning “Bird’s Beak” in Welsh, is a remarkable multi-purpose heritage apple named for its distinctive shape.

Its versatility allows it to be used for cider, cooking, and fresh eating depending on when the fruit is harvested.

Features

• Multi-purpose apple for cider, cooking, and dessert use
• Produces vintage cider when harvested early
• Excellent cooking apple after initial ripening
• Develops into a high-quality dessert apple when fully ripe
• Distinctive fruit shape giving rise to its Welsh name
• Traditional Welsh heritage variety
• Excellent keeping qualities

Origins / Notes

Grown around St Dogmaels Abbey near Cardigan in Ceredigion, Wales, since Norman times. The variety has a long association with the area's monastic history.

The Bishop of St David’s is recorded as having criticised the monks of St Dogmaels for their excessive cider consumption, reflecting the area's long-standing cider-making tradition.

Disease Resistance

Generally regarded as a hardy traditional Welsh orchard variety with good field resilience.

Pollination Season

Mid-season

Harvesting Season

Late season, typically October to early November. Harvest timing can be adjusted depending on whether the fruit is intended for cider, cooking, or dessert use.

Storage

Keeps for up to 5 months in cold storage. Best eating window extends from late autumn through early spring, with flavour and texture evolving according to storage duration and intended use.

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.