Old Fruit Varieties in Transylvania: Preserving Tradition

In the villages of Transylvania, fruits were the only source of vitamins during the winter. Back then, fruit was vital for survival. Each type had a different purpose – some were good for eating, others were used for jam, and still others were candied or used to produce schnapps or wine.

Here I would like to create a small collection documenting which old fruit varieties were formerly grown in Transylvania, as well as their characteristics. In 2013, the MET began the search for traditional fruit varieties in the counties of Sibiu (Hermannstadt), Brașov (Kronstadt), Mureș (Mieresch), and Harghita. They identified 57 names of apple varieties, 13 names of pear varieties, as well as plums, cherries, apricots, walnuts, peaches, and sour cherries.

In Mălâncrav (Malmkrog), Sibiu county, a nursery was established on an area of 5000 square meters to cultivate and protect these traditional varieties. The association “CIVITAS” from Odorheiu Secuiesc (Odorhellen) has also been working for several years to save the fruit varieties of the Szeklerland and has joined the projects of MET. “What few farmers know is that the traditional fruit varieties are highly compatible with this region. Over the years, they have adapted to the local climate and require minimal treatments. The taste is naturally much better, and their life expectancy is also higher,” says Kadar Tibor.

“If anyone has an orchard and wants to cooperate with us, we would be very happy. Interested parties should take a photo of their fruit tree and send it to us. It would be helpful if they also knew the name of the fruit variety. In return, they will receive a grafted sapling that is perfectly adapted to the climatic conditions of Transylvania,” adds Kadar Tibor.

Further information on the varieties: http://livadamalancrav.ro/DE/soiuri.html

I also want to identify the inventory in my own orchard and, if necessary, replace aging trees with these old varieties.

Apples

Variety	Description & Sources
Aner Beos	I do not have sufficient information to answer this question.
Batullenapfel (Batullen Apple)	A rarity originating from Transylvania. Medium-sized, initially crisp, juicy, sweet and sour, with a russet-like spice. Broadly cultivable, even at high altitudes, and very good for warm, dry locations. Storable until May/June. Worm-eaten fruits do not rot during storage. Source: Wikipedia: Batullenapfel
Bismarck-Apfel (Bismarck Apple)	An old, large-fruited variety discovered around 1870. Due to its tart flavor, it is traditionally used as an excellent cooking and baking apple. The tree is robust and yields high crops. Source: Wikipedia: Bismarckapfel
Bloomendorf	I do not have sufficient information to answer this question.
Bürgermeister	I do not have sufficient information to answer this question. (Often there is a confusion here with the historical pear variety “Bürgermeisterbirne”).
Erdbeerapfel (Danzig Kant Apple)	The fruits are medium-sized and round. They have a very good shelf life due to a glossy layer of natural wax on the red skin. A striking feature is the sharp seam on one half of the fruit. The flesh is sweet and sour with a rose apple aroma. Harvestable from mid-October. A very undemanding old variety. Source: Wikipedia: Danziger Kantapfel
Hasenschnauze-Apfel (Prince Apple)	A medium to large, cylindrical apple. The skin of the fruit distinctly smells of pineapple. The flesh is yellowish-white, fine, and juicy with a pleasant acidity and subtle spice. Thrives even in higher mountain regions up to 800 meters. Source: Wikipedia: Prinzenapfel
König von Neapel	I do not have sufficient information to answer this question.
Renetapfel von Kanada (Canadian Reinette)	A classic historical variety considered an excellent culinary and baking apple. The large, often irregularly shaped fruits have a rough skin and a tart, wine-like aroma. Source: Wikipedia: Kanadarenette
Robinenapfel	I do not have sufficient information to answer this question.

Pears

Variety	Description & Sources
Ulmer Butterbirne (Albecker Pear)	An old pear variety distinguished by its high frost resistance. Historically recommended for harsh locations and well-suited for rural meadow orchards.
Geddelsbacher Mostbirne	A traditional, rather small-fruited variety proven to exist in old orchards, primarily used for processing into cider.
Karcherbirne	Counts among the old traditional varieties in the southern German and Eastern European regions. Often planted on farms due to its hardiness and robust nature.

Plums

Variety	Description & Sources
Bühler Frühzwetschge	A robust, old plum variety discovered as early as 1840. It is undemanding regarding soil conditions and provides early yields. Source: Wikipedia: Bühler Frühzwetschge
Cacaks Schöne	A variety with an early blue coloration that delivers regular and high yields when fully ripe. The stone separates easily from the flesh.
Hauszwetschge (Common Plum)	One of the oldest and best-known varieties. It features an excellent aroma and is perfect for baking as well as for the production of traditional schnapps (Pălincă). Source: Wikipedia: Hauszwetschge

How to support the project for old fruit varieties

If you have old fruit trees in your garden, you can actively participate in preserving these historical varieties. Here is a short guide on how to help:

Document the tree: Take a clear photo of the fruit tree and, ideally, of the ripe fruits as well.
Submit the information: Send the photo to the cooperating associations (such as CIVITAS) and mention the regional name of the variety, if you know it.
Plant a sapling: In return, you will receive a professionally grafted sapling that is perfectly adapted to the local climate, ready to be planted in your own garden.

Where to get old fruit varieties

Bruentjen Baumschulen (26188 Edewecht/Portsloge, Germany)