A review of the best apple varieties for Ukraine

Summer apple varieties

White Naliv. A Baltic variety that produces its first fruits in early summer. It is very productive and stores well over winter. The apples are medium-sized, juicy, and have a sweet and tart flavor. This variety responds well to pruning, and it's even advisable to do so regularly to avoid disrupting fruiting.

Mantet. The fruits of this tree are medium-sized, sometimes small, but this variety is popular for its very thin skin. They are typically bright red with an orange tint. They ripen in late July or August, depending on weather conditions. However, they spoil very quickly; the shelf life is only 10-15 days after picking. A disadvantage of this summer apple variety is that the tree produces a high yield only when young.

Melba. It has large, striped, blush-colored fruits covered with a waxy coating. Apples of this variety have an incredible candy-like flavor and snow-white flesh; they are very juicy and perfect for juices and compotes. Summer apple varieties do not tolerate transportation well, but this class can be stored until December.

Papirovka. An early apple tree with loose flesh, but still quite juicy, and an abundance of acidity. The downside is the intermittent fruiting and short shelf life.

Autumn apple varieties

Gala. This variety became available in Ukraine in the 1970s, when breeders were concerned that the small fruits would not be accepted in the markets. However, buyers were drawn to the apples' bright color. A mature apple tree produces approximately 55–80 kg of fruit, which are primarily used in juice production.

Delichia. This class was developed in America, but quickly gained popularity among Ukrainian consumers due to its exceptional frost resistance, resistance to pests, and consistent fruit production. It is used for fresh eating and juice production.

Liberty. An early autumn variety. This apple tree has virtually no drawbacks; its fruit is rarely eaten fresh, but is best suited for preserves, jellies, and dried fruit.

Glory to the Winners. It used to be a huge success, but now, due to rising temperatures, it's considered a finicky variety. It requires a lot of attention and care. However, the tree will reward you with the highest quality fruit.

Winter apple varieties

Fuji. This variety was developed in Italy but thrives throughout Ukraine. This winter variety boasts exquisite flavor: the fruit is honey-like, juicy, and aromatic. It keeps well until the following year's harvest.

Increased winter hardiness allows this type of apple to be grown in industrial orchards in the Kharkiv region.

Idared. Developed by American breeders, apple trees of this variety are easily used in commercial orchards in Ukraine. The fruits reach large sizes and are covered with a thin waxy layer. Suitable for all types of production: consumed fresh and in all types of processing.

Golden Delicious. Among winter varieties, it's considered the most dessert-worthy, most often eaten fresh. The trees are fairly frost-hardy, but are highly susceptible to insect attack.

Gloster. This variety was developed by German breeders. It is grown for scientific purposes and in small quantities for production in the Sumy region of Ukraine, where seedlings are also available. The fruits are medium-sized and are consumed exclusively fresh. They have a very long shelf life and transport well.

Spartan. This variety has unusual characteristics for a winter apple. Firstly, the fruit's color is unique – a rich burgundy, plum-colored, covered with a thick waxy coating. Secondly, the fruits are enormous, slightly flattened at the base. They are used for making jam.

Champion. One of the most common tree species. The apples are eaten fresh. This category doesn't stand out in any special way, but it's popular due to its ease of care.

Columnar apple tree varieties

Trident. A low-growing dwarf tree. Formed from numerous short branches extending from the trunk at right angles. It blooms very vigorously, but has an average fruit set. This variety is grown in the Kyiv region.

Gin. A low-growing tree, reaching a maximum height of two meters, with a straight trunk and covered with red fruits. It begins bearing fruit a year after planting. During the first four years, the yield is small—up to 5 kg—and then increases to 12–15 kg per year. The variety is very disease-resistant.

President. Similar in description to the Jin variety, but the fruit takes on a green tint. Considered a winter variety with high pest resistance.

Video: "Review of the Best Apple Varieties"

In this video you will hear about the best apple varieties.