Is cider the ultimate, eco-friendly tipple?
Article in Wicked Leeks - Riverford Organic's Magazine - delving into the environmental and biodiversity benefits of cider making from Traditional Orchards.
Excerpt:
Apples are a perennial crop, which means there’s no annual tilling. They grow well in polycultural systems that mimic nature – such as silvopasture, where trees, forage crops and livestock are integrated.
When managed traditionally, several apple varieties often grow side by side, leading to greater biodiversity. The trees can be over 100 years old and are excellent carbon sinks. Few spray chemicals, preferring to encourage the birds which keeps pests down. Orchards are rarely ploughed, so the soil is some of the healthiest around.