Hardanger has been closely associated with apple production for hundreds of years, and has naturally taken a leading role in the increasing popularity of locally-produced cider over the last few years. Apple cider is nothing new to the fruit farmers in Hardanger – they’ve been producing it since the late 1800s. But, it’s only recently that it has really taken off. More and more people are looking for locally produced and authentic produce, which makes Vestland a natural place to start.
The producers in Hardanger are keen to become the equivalent of the
Champagne district for apple cider. And they may well be on their way
to achieving that goal, as, in 2009, ‘Cider from Hardanger’ was the
first alcoholic product in Norway to be given a protected geographical
indication. There are no requirements of the type of apple used, the
alcohol percentage or the quantity of sugar, but the ingredients must
be grown in Hardanger. That’s how unique the culture and apples are.
No wonder then that many people insist on their cider coming from
Hardanger.
Read more about the cider farms of Hardanger here