Cider from our own cultivation

Ciderbrukat AB wants to develop its apple orchard in Roslagen and among other things install a trellis and irrigation system that contributes to building a sustainable business. In their innovative cultivation system, the apples grow in special fruit walls, which promotes high quality in the cider and enables increased mechanization in maintenance and harvesting. The orchard will be irrigated from a pond to avoid burdening groundwater reserves, and fertilization will occur circularly with press residues. Pollinator plants, birdhouses, and insect hotels will benefit beneficial insects that eat pests.

The cultivation is unique for the English and French cider apple varieties, which with few exceptions are not yet grown in Sweden. The cider apples differ from regular apples due to their higher tannin content, which allows for the development of flavor nuances that are not possible with regular apples. Through the use of a new type of rootstock, the varieties have been adapted to thrive in Roslagen's climate. All of this opens up for the production of a high-quality classic dry cider in the style of those common in France.

Through the project, opportunities are opened to create a sustainable business and explore and evaluate methods for cultivating cider apples in Roslagen's climate. Additionally, the project will conduct study visits to established producers of classic cider outside Sweden to deepen their knowledge of cider production. In this way, Ciderbruket AB can become part of Roslagen's small-scale food and beverage production. Collaborations are being discussed with Norrtälje Bränneri AB to further process cider and with At The Lake AB in Edsbro, development of flavored spirits based on press residues is planned. Restaurants in the area show great interest in locally produced cider and collaboration with Norrtelje Urban Winery AB is being discussed to include cider tasting in Norrtälje's cultural offerings. This local collaboration is crucial for strengthening the production and sales of Ciderbruket AB's products.