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The consul-general prepared a report on the cider industry in Normandy.
The consul-general prepared a report on the cider industry in Normandy. Photograph: Alamy
The consul-general prepared a report on the cider industry in Normandy. Photograph: Alamy

From the Observer archive: this week in 1901

This article is more than 7 years old
The cider industry should not be allowed to die out

Normandy is the home of cider, and if this beverage is to take its proper place over here as a wholesome and economic article of diet, it is to Normandy we must look for instruction and experience. Mr Hertslet, our energetic Consul-General at Havre, has just prepared a careful and exhaustive report on the cider of the province, in which he dwells on every stage of preparation. The planting of the trees, the necessary elements in the juice of the apple, the gathering, crushing, and pressing the pulp are all explained.

In France, cider is regarded as the most hygienic of all drinks, more so than the best of wines; and, curiously enough, nearly all the product made is for home consumption, the exports being practically nil. Considering that it is commonly reported that in Monmouthshire and Glamorganshire existing orchards are falling into disuse, we quite agree that it is to the national interests that an important industry like this should not be supposed to die out.

It has taken many years to bring it to maturity, it is capable of earning a profit which Mr Hertslet estimates as high as 20 to 25 per cent, and undoubtedly it is also capable of giving employment to our agricultural population and so checking the flow of urban immigration.

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