Cider from cooking apples?

[sandspider]

Hi all

I've made cider before from eating apples, and though a little dry, it was tasty (and more than acoholic!) enough. However, I now have a house with a cooking apple tree (at least, I think they are - very sour). I don't cook with apples much but I don't want to waste them - can I make cider from cooking apples? Would I need to add extra sugar to avoid ending up with sour cider?

Thanks in advance for any advice...

Giles

[SarzWix]

If you could get hold of some eating apples too, or, some pears to add to the mix that would be better than extra sugar. The best cider usually comes from a blend, unless you have one of the rare trees that makes a perfect single varietal cider.

[sandspider]

Thanks Sarah, good idea - I prefer pear cider anyway

Giles

[StephenH]

You can make cider from any apples, though it might be a bit unbalanced made from a single variety.

Two years ago, I made a few gallons from what I think are James Grieve, a dual-purpose apple. It wasn't up to much, but it was drinkable. I re-used the pulp, beefed up with some minced sultanas and sugar to bring the O.G. up to about 1080, to make apple wine, and that was FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!

[WrexTheDragon]

I make mine with a mixture of eating apples and about half cookers. Not much taste with eaters on there one. Cookers do give it a better apple taste.

I did try a cider apple once and they are far more bitter than a cooker.

[ohbeary]

If this old and broken bear may say, good cider needs a blend of sweets, sours and bitters, we can get around this if proper cider apples are not available, 60% eaters, 30% cookers(preferably Bramleys), 10% crab apples and a touch of malic acid.

[sandspider]

Thanks for the suggestions, still reading this thread. If I can just find a decently priced apple press I have lots of plans on how to use it!