Kingston Black: A cider legend
The Kingston Black cider apple tree, also known as the "Queen of Cider Apples," is a legendary variety prized for its unique ability to produce exceptional single-variety ciders. Native to Somerset, England, this variety embodies cider excellence and appeals to professional market gardeners and cider makers who want to offer products with a rich and inimitable character. Arboriverse, your specialist wholesale supplier of cider apple plants, offers you this iconic variety to enhance your orchard and conquer the premium cider market.
Fruits serving an authentic and refined cider
Kingston Black Apple Profile
- Elegant Appearance: Dark red, ridged, and slightly russeted skin, enveloping yellow flesh tinged with red near the skin.
- Size and shape: Medium-sized apples (50 to 90 g), round and slightly flattened, ideal for processing.
- Unique Flavor: Categorized as bittersharp, they combine high tannin and acidity.
Kingston Black apple juice is full-bodied, rich, and balanced, with subtle notes of hazelnut, lemon, and salted caramel. This unique flavor profile produces a sophisticated cider, appreciated by connoisseurs and suited to premium positioning.
A demanding but rewarding apple tree
Tree characteristics
- Semi-erect shape: The tree adopts a well-spreading shape, facilitating harvesting.
- Size and growth: Vigorous, it reaches a height of 4 to 5 meters with a balanced wingspan.
- Conditions required: This variety thrives in well-drained, rich soils and requires 1000 hours of winter chill to ensure good flowering and fruiting.
Harvesting and processing
Kingston Black apples ripen in October and must be processed quickly, as their shelf life is limited to 2-3 weeks. This constraint ensures fresh, optimal juice for producing ciders with intense aromas.
A variety dedicated to high-end single-variety ciders
An exceptional unadulterated cider
Kingston Black is distinguished by its ability to produce balanced single-variety ciders without the need to add other varieties. Its juice, naturally rich in tannins and acidity, provides the perfect structure for sophisticated ciders.
Aromatic blends
It can also be used as a complement in blends, bringing depth and complexity to sweet or mild ciders.
Pollination and orchard management
Cross-pollination
Kingston Black is completely non-self-fertile and does not produce viable pollen. To ensure optimal fruiting, it is imperative to combine it with compatible pollinator varieties such as:
- Queen of Reinettes
- Brown's Apple
- Queen of the Early Ones
A ratio of 3% pollinators well distributed in the orchard is recommended to optimize fertilization.
Maintenance and disease prevention
- Scab
- Fire blight
- Chancre
- Cedar rust
Preventive biological treatments (sulfur, copper) and foliage aeration practices (pruning, trimming) can limit these risks.
Profitability and business opportunities
Premium performance and quality
Although Kingston Black is less productive than other varieties, each harvest presents an opportunity to produce premium ciders, highly prized by discerning consumers. Single-variety ciders made from this variety typically command a premium price in the craft market.
Added value for producers
The rich and aromatic red juice gives the cider a distinctive color and flavor, reinforcing its appeal to lovers of authentic and refined products.
Why choose Arboriverse for your Kingston Black plants?
As a specialist wholesale supplier of cider apple plants, Arboriverse offers you rigorously selected plants to guarantee the quality and performance of your orchards.
Our strengths:
- Certified plants: Adapted to the requirements of professionals.
- Technical expertise: Personalized advice for optimal management of your orchard.
- Fast and reliable delivery: Order in bulk and receive your plants in the best conditions.
Take action with Arboriverse!
Add Kingston Black to your orchard and stand out in the premium cider market. Contact Arboriverse today for a personalized quote and let us guide you through the production of exceptional ciders.
