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Lost Apples Return: Taste of History Revived
19 Oct
Summary
- Rare apple varieties are being reintroduced to Austrian supermarkets.
- The initiative aims to test heirloom apples in current growing conditions.
- Resurrected apples may offer enhanced health benefits and unique flavors.
Two rare heirloom apple varieties, the Ilzer Rosenapfel from around 1840 and the Falchs Gulderling from the 1870s, are being piloted in Austrian supermarkets. Spar and produce distributor Frutura are leading this effort, working with environmental NGO Arche Noah to ensure the varieties are suitable for modern large-scale cultivation. The pilot scheme involves 2,150 trees in an experimental orchard in Styria.
The project seeks to assess the taste, growth performance, disease resistance, and shelf life of these rediscovered apples. Success could lead to wider regional availability. This revival taps into a growing consumer interest in food origins, biodiversity, and unique flavors, offering notes of raspberry, clove, nut, and lemon.
Beyond flavor, these old varieties are noted for higher polyphenol content in their skin, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Research suggests these compounds may also benefit individuals with lifelong apple allergies and reduce hay fever symptoms. The pilot is testing if these ancient fruits can thrive commercially today.
This Austrian initiative mirrors similar movements across Europe and the US, where artisanal orchards are exploring unique apple types. Heritage apples like the Goldparmäne, dating to the early 16th century, are gaining attention for their distinctive qualities, contrasting with the uniform produce typically found in supermarkets.
