Scientists with Washington State University in Mount Vernon hope to support an emerging hard cider culture by strengthening their research program. Hard cider is the fastest-growing ­segment of the beverage industry. Many of the classic cider apple varieties originated in ­England, and northwestern Washington has a good ­climate for growing apples that thrive in relatively cool conditions. A new test orchard to be planted at WSU’s Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center in 2014 will help growers select the best cider apple varieties for the region. Twenty years ago, apple growers in that area were pinning their hopes on Jonagold, […]