Description

Full sun, Zone 3

Malus ‘Hewes’

Pot size #5

This is one of the varieties that’s experiencing a boost in interest as enthusiasm for real cider grows in North America. That’s because of the excellent quality of Hewes‘ juice in ciders and its heritage as one of the cornerstones of old-style cider in the U.S. south back in the day. Apparently a cross between a native North American crab-apple and a European apple, Hewes was widely planted through the 18th and 19th centuries and was considered one of the most valuable cider varieties. Despite the huge setback caused by prohibition, starting in 1919, many Hewes trees remained growing in private orchards, just waiting for the day that cider would rise again.

Flavour: Produces a high-quality sweet, acidic and astringent juice. Appearance: Small, round crab-apples are flushed with pale red or orange. Quality for fresh eating: Good. Quality for cooking: Very good in jellies. Quality for cider: Excellent in cider blends.

Discovered in Virginia, USA, early 18th century.