At Crosscut Farm & Orchard, we believe that every apple has a purpose. Our cider apples are the unsung heroes of the orchard—fruit that may not win a beauty contest but delivers exceptional flavor and character when pressed into cider, cooked into sauce, or fermented into hard cider. Grown right here on our farm, these Golden Delicious apples are available in convenient 40-pound boxes, ready for your next batch.
What Are Cider Apples?
Cider apples are not a single variety but rather a category of apples used primarily for making cider rather than eating fresh. Unlike dessert apples, which are prized for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness when eaten out of hand, cider apples often have higher acidity, tannins, or sugar content that translates beautifully into juice. At Crosscut Farm & Orchard, our cider apples are Golden Delicious—a variety known for its sweet, mellow flavor that ferments well and blends smoothly with other apple types.
What sets our cider apples apart is their journey. These are the apples that nature has marked: a bird peck here, a worm trail there, or a tumble to the ground. While they may not be picture-perfect for the fruit bowl, they are absolutely perfect for pressing. In fact, many traditional cider makers argue that slightly blemished or windfall apples can produce even more complex and interesting cider than pristine fruit.
Why Choose Our Cider Apples?
Choosing our cider apples is a smart, sustainable choice. By using fruit that might otherwise go to waste, you are participating in a time-honored farm practice of using the whole harvest. These apples are sold at a fraction of the cost of fresh eating apples—just $20 for a 40-pound box, which works out to only 50 cents per pound. That is an unbeatable value for anyone who loves making cider, applesauce, or apple butter in large quantities.
Moreover, our cider apples come from Golden Delicious trees grown in our orchard. Golden Delicious is a versatile apple that, when pressed, yields a sweet, aromatic juice with a hint of honey. It is an excellent base for hard cider because it ferments cleanly and provides a pleasant apple character without overwhelming tartness. Many home cider makers blend Golden Delicious with more acidic or tannic varieties to achieve a well-rounded final product.
Perfect for Cider, Hard Cider, and Applesauce
The primary use for these apples is, of course, sweet cider. Fresh-pressed cider made from Golden Delicious is naturally sweet and refreshing, with a golden color and smooth mouthfeel. Because these apples may have minor imperfections, we recommend washing and inspecting them before pressing, but the flavor is unaffected. In fact, many cider enthusiasts prefer using a mix of ground-fall and tree-picked apples for a richer, more nuanced juice.
For those interested in hard cider, Golden Delicious is an excellent choice. Its high sugar content means a higher potential alcohol level, and its low acidity allows the yeast to work without stress. You can ferment it on its own for a soft, easy-drinking cider, or blend it with crabapples or other tart varieties to add complexity. The result is a crisp, golden beverage that rivals commercial ciders.
Beyond cider, these apples are fantastic for making applesauce. Because they cook down quickly and have a naturally sweet flavor, you may not need to add much sugar. Simply core and chop the apples (cutting away any bruised or damaged spots), simmer with a little water, and run through a food mill. The sauce freezes well or can be canned for year-round enjoyment. Apple butter, apple jelly, and even apple pie filling are also great options.
What to Expect in Your Box
Each box contains approximately 40 pounds of Golden Delicious cider apples. The apples are not sorted for appearance, so you will find a mix of sizes and conditions. Some may have bird pecks, some may show signs of codling moth or other insect activity, and some may have been picked up from the ground. This is normal and expected. We do not use these apples for fresh eating, and we price them accordingly.
Because the apples are sold in bulk, we recommend having a plan for processing them soon after purchase. They can be stored in a cool, dark place for a few days, but for best results, press or cook them within a week. If you are making hard cider, you can press immediately and then ferment the juice. For applesauce, you can process in large batches and freeze or can the results.
“These apples may not be pretty, but they make the best cider I’ve ever pressed. The price can’t be beat.”
How to Order
Ordering our cider apples is simple. Just give Frank a call at to check availability and arrange a pickup time. Since these apples are a seasonal product and quantities can be limited, we recommend calling ahead to reserve your boxes. We typically have cider apples available from late summer through fall, coinciding with our main apple harvest.
When you call, Frank can answer any questions about the current condition of the apples, how many boxes are available, and the best time to pick them up. We sell the apples directly from the farm, so you know exactly where your fruit comes from and how it was grown. We do not ship; all orders are for local pickup at the orchard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these apples safe to eat or use?
Yes. While they may have cosmetic blemishes, insect damage, or minor bruising, the apples are perfectly safe for cooking, pressing, or fermenting. We recommend cutting away any damaged areas before use, especially for applesauce. For cider, the apples are washed and crushed whole, and the juice is typically pasteurized or fermented, which eliminates any concerns.
Can I use these apples for fresh eating?
We do not recommend eating these apples raw. They are not the same quality as our fresh eating apples and may have internal damage or an unpleasant texture. They are intended for processing only.
How many apples are in a 40-pound box?
It varies depending on the size of the apples, but generally you can expect between 80 and 120 apples per box. That is enough to make roughly 3 to 4 gallons of fresh cider, depending on your press efficiency.
Do you offer smaller quantities?
At this time, cider apples are sold only in 40-pound boxes. This keeps the price low and makes it easy for us to handle the volume. If you only need a small amount, consider splitting a box with a friend or neighbor.
Can I pick my own cider apples?
We do not offer U-pick for cider apples. All cider apples are pre-picked and boxed for your convenience. However, if you are interested in picking your own fresh eating apples, please check our Items List for availability.
Make the Most of Your Harvest
Whether you are a seasoned cider maker or just starting out, our cider apples offer an affordable way to enjoy the fruits of the season. With a little effort, you can transform these humble apples into delicious beverages and preserves that your family will love. And by choosing our cider apples, you are helping reduce food waste and supporting local agriculture.
So why not give them a try? Call Frank today at and reserve your box of Golden Delicious cider apples. Your next batch of cider will thank you.