Side Appel Amenability to Ontario

My thesis research involves an evaluation of apple production for the rapidly expanding Ontario cider industry. This entails several experiments that provide an analysis of several apple cultivars. These include apples from traditional global cider regions, established Ontario varieties, and novel crab-derived varieties. Firstly, a report on the cider-centric sensory characteristics of these apples will be published. Additionally, the winter hardiness of varieties with historic use in cider making will be established using microscopy methods. This will provide a minimum cultivation temperature for use in planting decisions throughout Ontario’s apple growing regions. A major concern of Ontario apple grower’s is the cost of harvest labour. For this purpose, I am evaluating the economics of mechanical harvesting in high-density orchards. Lastly, I am exploring the suitability of ice cider production in Ontario to provide methodology recommendations. My project seeks to support the expanding Ontario cider industry through providing localized guidelines.