At Crosscut Farm & Orchard, cider apples are more than just a byproduct of the harvest—they are a celebration of flavor, sustainability, and the orchard's natural rhythm. Our Golden Delicious cider apples, available in 40-pound boxes for $20, offer an exceptional value for cider makers, home brewers, and sauce enthusiasts alike. These apples may have a few bird pecks or worm holes, but what they lack in cosmetic perfection they more than make up for in sweetness, character, and honest, chemical-free growing practices.
What Are Cider Apples?
Cider apples are the unsung heroes of the orchard. Unlike the flawless fruit you see in grocery store displays, cider apples often bear the marks of nature—bird pecks, small blemishes, or the occasional worm. They may be picked from the ground after they have fully ripened and fallen, which actually enhances their sugar content and depth of flavor. These apples are not "seconds" in the sense of being inferior; rather, they are simply apples that don't meet the strict cosmetic standards for fresh eating. For cider making, they are often the preferred choice because their imperfections have no impact on the juice, and their advanced ripeness can contribute to a richer, more complex cider.
At Crosscut Farm & Orchard, we embrace this philosophy wholeheartedly. Our Golden Delicious apples, in particular, are a treasure for anyone interested in crafting high-quality cider, hard cider, or applesauce. Their natural sweetness and aromatic profile make them a versatile base for a wide range of beverages and culinary creations.
Why Choose Golden Delicious for Cider?
Golden Delicious apples are renowned for their honeyed sweetness and mellow, almost floral aroma. While they are often enjoyed fresh, their true potential shines in cider making. The high sugar content translates directly into a higher potential alcohol content during fermentation, which is a boon for hard cider producers. Additionally, the balanced acidity of Golden Delicious—though lower than some sharper cider varieties—provides a smooth, approachable cider that appeals to a broad audience.
For those making sweet (non-alcoholic) cider, Golden Delicious delivers a naturally sweet juice that requires little or no added sugar. The same holds true for applesauce: these apples break down easily when cooked, yielding a silky, golden sauce with a pure apple flavor. Because we do not spray any chemicals on our apples, you can be confident that every box contains fruit as nature intended—safe, wholesome, and full of flavor.
Our Growing Philosophy: No Chemicals, Just Nature
At Crosscut Farm & Orchard, we are committed to a simple, sustainable approach to fruit growing. We do not apply any chemical sprays to our apple trees. This means our apples are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. While this choice may result in a few more blemishes or the occasional worm, we believe the trade-off is well worth it. The result is fruit that is not only better for your health but also better for the environment, supporting pollinators, soil life, and the broader ecosystem of our orchard.
"Golden Delicious are very sweet apples and make excellent cider, hard cider and apple sauce. We don't spray any chemicals on our apples."
Because our apples are unsprayed, they are perfectly suited for cider making. The natural yeasts present on the skins can even aid in spontaneous fermentation for those who prefer a wild, terroir-driven cider. For others, the clean, chemical-free fruit provides an ideal starting point for controlled fermentations with commercial yeast strains. Either way, you are working with apples that are as close to their natural state as possible.
How to Order and What to Expect
Our Golden Delicious cider apples are sold in 40-pound boxes for $20—a remarkable value for such high-quality, chemical-free fruit. To place an order or ask questions, simply call . We are happy to discuss availability, pickup or delivery options, and any other details you may need. Because our supply is seasonal and limited, we encourage you to reach out early to reserve your boxes.
Each box contains a mix of apples that have been picked from the ground and from the tree, all of which are suitable for cider, sauce, or baking. You may notice some bird pecks, small bruises, or the occasional worm—these are signs of a healthy, living orchard and do not affect the quality of the juice or sauce. We recommend sorting and washing the apples before processing, as you would with any fresh fruit.
From Orchard to Glass: Making Cider at Home
Making your own cider at home is a rewarding and surprisingly simple process. Here is a basic outline to get you started:
- Sort and wash: Remove any severely damaged or rotten apples, then rinse the rest thoroughly.
- Grind and press: Chop or grind the apples into a pulp, then press the pulp to extract the juice. A dedicated fruit press works best, but a sturdy blender and cheesecloth can work for small batches.
- Ferment (optional): For hard cider, transfer the fresh juice to a sanitized fermentation vessel, add yeast (or rely on wild yeast), and fit an airlock. Ferment for several weeks until the desired dryness is reached.
- Bottle and enjoy: For sweet cider, pasteurize the juice and refrigerate. For hard cider, bottle with a small amount of priming sugar for carbonation, or still if preferred.
Because Golden Delicious apples are naturally sweet, you may find that you need less added sugar than with other varieties. The resulting cider is often golden-hued, fragrant, and pleasantly smooth—a true taste of the orchard.
Beyond Cider: Applesauce and More
While cider is the star, our Golden Delicious apples are equally at home in the kitchen. Their tender flesh cooks down quickly into a luscious applesauce that needs little more than a sprinkle of cinnamon. They also make excellent apple butter, fruit leather, and even baked goods like pies and crisps, though their soft texture means they break down more than firmer varieties—which is often desirable for sauces and fillings.
For those interested in preserving the harvest, these apples can be sliced and frozen, canned as sauce, or dehydrated into chips. Because they are unsprayed, the peels can be left on for added fiber and nutrients, though you may wish to remove any blemished areas first. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
Visit or Contact Us
If you have questions about our cider apples, want to place an order, or are curious about other products from Crosscut Farm & Orchard, please give us a call at . We love talking with fellow cider enthusiasts and home cooks, and we are always happy to share tips and recipes. Be sure to check our Items List for other seasonal offerings, or view the dedicated Cider Apples (Product) page for more details.
Thank you for supporting a small, chemical-free orchard. We look forward to helping you create something delicious from our Golden Delicious harvest.