Immediately after the Biosphere-Schaalsee market opened at 10 a.m., visitors lined up. However, they were not interested in buying regional products, but rather they even brought something with them. “We bought a property with an old apple tree on it, and now we want to know what types of apples we have there,” says a visitor from the Ratzeburg area, for example.
The pomology association wants to preserve old apple varieties. (Photo: Silke Roß)
Varieties are old but relatively common
She wasn’t alone with this concern, because the other visitors also wanted to know from pomologist Jens Meyer which apple was growing in her garden. “Most of the varieties presented here are old, but relatively common,” explains the expert. In the western Schaalsee area, for example, the “Ruhm aus Vierlanden” variety is relatively common.
Many fruit tree owners from the Schaalsee region wanted to know which apple varieties grow in their garden. (Photo: Silke Roß)
Popular GDR variety comes from America
In the eastern part, the old GDR varieties dominate: Carola, Alkmene, Auralia or, particularly often, the Spartan, also known as the Christmas apple. “This dark red apple was and is very popular here, and this variety originally comes from America,” says Jens Meyer. He knows almost all of the apple varieties common here, although there is no clear standard variety.
Location and age of the tree
“You actually recognize the apples because the more often you see them, the easier it is to name the variety,” explains the pomologist. However, to determine the varieties, he also needs information about the location, the approximate age of the tree and, above all, several fruits. In addition, some varieties differ in the shape of the cores and core housing as well as the stem and leaves.
Trees also grow old
Nevertheless, the old tree populations are decreasing. “Trees also get old and at some point they reach the end of their lifespan,” says the apple expert. Newer varieties such as Boskop, Elstar or Jonagold can now be found in the gardens, and these trees can also have a good 30 or 40 years under their belt.
When determining the variety, facts about the location and age of the tree are also crucial. (Photo: Julia Steinbrecht/KNA)
Pomologists’ Association promotes the preservation of old varieties
Apple variety identification is offered in Zarrentin by the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania regional group of the German Pomologists Association in return for a donation. The association is committed to preserving historical fruit varieties and orchard landscapes. With the “Apple of the Year” he is committed to preserving the varieties, but also to preserving and growing fruit trees through local tree nurseries.
