Zibärtle plum, Brettacher apple, and Königliche Amarelle cherry — in the realm of fruit, diversity is natural. Conventional retail has drastically reduced their wide selection. Yet, old fruit varieties in particular are especially aromatic and surprisingly robust in cultivation.

An almost forgotten diversity

The selection of fruit varieties is actually vast: over centuries, we have cultivated apples, pears, plums, and cherries, producing resilient varieties full of character. Our grandmothers and grandfathers had apple trees that provided a harvest in rotation from July to November — a different variety each month, each with its own character.

However, increased fruit imports in the 70s displaced domestic fruits. At the same time, numerous meadow orchards disappeared due to nationwide land consolidation.

Standard sizes for industrial processing

Although there are an estimated 20,000 apple varieties worldwide, we mostly find only Gala, Gloster, and Granny Smith in supermarkets today. Grown on large plantations, these apples are uniform in color and shape. This conceals more than just a supposed quality guarantee for the consumer: uniform shape and consistency facilitate the industrial processing of fruit. With consistent sizes, machines can peel apples more easily (and thus more profitably), for example.

EU regulations support this standardization — what does not fit the norm often does not reach the market, but is instead processed into juice or composted directly.

Old varieties have character

Old fruit varieties impress with their diversity of flavor — from sweet-tart to spicy-sharp. The Brettacher apple, for instance, has a distinct acidity and is excellent for baking. The Zibärtle (a small, wild plum) brings a wonderful richness of flavor to jams and brandies. The Königliche Amarelle (an old sour cherry) has a strong acidity and a very intense aroma.

Protecting meadow orchards

Meadow orchards are not only a bastion of varietal diversity but also important habitats for countless animal species. Associations like the NABU or local meadow orchard initiatives are committed to their preservation — you can often adopt individual trees or support harvesting events.

Where can I get old fruit varieties?

• Weekly markets: Regional producers often offer unusual varieties
• Farm shops: You will find the full range of variety directly from fruit growers
• Meadow orchard initiatives: Harvesting events or tasting festivals
• Specialty manufacturers: Jams and juices made from old varieties are also available in our range