Core values: the Austrian scheme bringing forgotten apple varieties back to life
Spar pilot scheme will test whether heirloom fruit can thrive in today’s commercial and environmental conditions
TL;DR
- Spar Austria is piloting the reintroduction of two rare apple varieties: Ilzer Rosenapfel (c. 1840) and Falchs Gulderling (c. 1870).
- The project aims to revive lost flavors, promote biodiversity, and preserve ancient crops.
- Experts from Arche Noah assisted in identifying heritage apples suitable for modern cultivation.
- The pilot scheme will assess taste, growth performance, disease susceptibility, and shelf life.
- An experimental orchard in Styria is growing 2,150 trees, with initial fruits sampled and sent to trial locations.
- The project draws inspiration from similar initiatives in Europe and the US focusing on heirloom fruit.
- Old apple varieties may offer greater nutritional benefits, such as higher polyphenol content, acting as antioxidants.
- Some heirloom apples may be tolerable for individuals with lifelong apple allergies.
- Other notable historic apple varieties mentioned include Steirische Schafnase, Crown Prince Rudolf, and Goldparmäne.