Dabinett

Dabinett is one of the most well-known English, bittersweet, cider cultivars in the world; it is grown throughout the cider-orchard regions of the UK and the US. Dabinett originated in Middle Lambrook, Somerset. Although it was previously thought that one parent might be the famous English bittersweet, Chisel Jersey, DNA profiling has shown that to be incorrect. One of its parents is the cider-apple mega-founder currently known as “Unknown Founder 6.” The other parent has not been identified.

The small-medium-sized fruit is partly to mostly covered with a brownish, brick-red blush and darker brick-red stripes. Many fruit are half soft green and half red. As a result, the fruit often appears rotten, even when it's quite firm. The coloring makes it easily recognizable.

Dabinett is a true bittersweet. Because it can be found almost anywhere cider apples are growing, we have not put much focus on it other than to have a couple trees in the orchard to keep an eye on. It is written about extensively in practically any apple book or article that touches on cider apples. We obtained our scionwood from Poverty Lane/Farnham Hill Cider in Lebanon, NH, and we know it to be true-to-type. It’s currently growing at Super Chilly Farm.