The taste of apple juice is not a matter of chance, but largely the result of the choice of apple cultivar. This is confirmed by research conducted at the Institute of Horticulture – National Research Institute in Skierniewice, which focused on old apple cultivars that are now returning to organic orchards.

The Sensory Evaluation Laboratory assessed juices pressed from apples of old cultivars: 'Glogierówka’, ‘Kantówka Gdańska’, ‘Piękna z Rept’, ‘Rarytas Śląski’ and ‘Red Boskoop’, and for comparison, also from commonly known cultivars: ‘Jonathan’, ‘Szampion’, ‘Idared’, ‘Jonagold’ and ‘Fuji’, analysing their aroma, taste, colour, and overall flavour. The results were surprisingly varied. The biggest winner was ‘Kantówka Gdańska’, whose juice delighted consumers with its intense apple aroma, beautiful colour, and perfectly balanced taste. On the other hand, the ‘Glogierówka’ and ‘Idared’ cultivars, although valued for the traditional character of their fruit, produced juices that were more sour, less aromatic, or had a ‘watery’ flavour profile.

Research has confirmed that the choice of cultivar is crucial not only for yield but also for the final product’s taste. Old apple cultivars can be a real treasure trove of aroma and character—especially in organic production—provided they are well suited to their intended use, such as juicing. This proves that tradition and science can go hand in hand, and that old apple cultivars still have a lot to offer today’s consumers.

The attached photograph shows prepared sensory samples of apple juice, along with reference samples (clear and cloudy). The evaluation is conducted in sensory booths equipped with specialised lighting featuring a carefully selected light spectrum, providing controlled, objective support for visual assessment. This lighting significantly facilitates panelists’ evaluation of a key quality attribute juice cloudiness, which is of critical importance in the assessment of this type of product.

‘Rarytas Śląski’ (5), ‘Kantówka Gdańska’ (1), ‘Red Boskoop’ (3), ‘Glogierówka’ (4) i ‘Piękna z Rept’ (2)