How much crab apple can one add to normal apple cider

[GB2014]

Hello,


I've found a wild crab apple tree (apples a little smaller than a ping pong ball) and I wondered, will they spoil the taste of garden apple cider? If so, how much can I get away with adding? Thanks brewers.

 

[IainM]

Hello,


I've found a wild crab apple tree (apples a little smaller than a ping pong ball) and I wondered, will they spoil the taste of garden apple cider? If so, how much can I get away with adding? Thanks brewers.

A mix of crab apples and eating apples makes better cider than just eating apples, but the best proportions will depend on the apples. Some people recommend starting with 5-20% of the total weight, while others would go as high as 50%. I've never used them, but if it was me I'd probably start around 15%.