WINTER

80 percent of the apples we eat are imported, despite the fact that many people think Swedish apples are tastier. Some of the most dangerous pesticides and fungicides that are still used in other countries are banned in Sweden.

All transport of goods has an impact on the environment and climate. According to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, an apple imported from New Zealand creates four times more carbon dioxide emission than an apple grown in Sweden.

RED MELON APPLE

History: A very old variety believed to originate from Germany. It was cultivated in Denmark already in the late 18th century. The tree at Brunstorps Gård is a type of Melon apple. Red Melon was included in the Göteborg Garden Society’s price list 1861.

Growth habit: The original sort reaches a considerable size and forms an upright and eventually widespread crown. The red variety at Brunstorps Gård is smaller and less strong growing.

Flowering period: Late flowering with deep pink buds; when in bloom white and soft pink underneath.

Fruit characteristics: Fruit middle-sized, characteristically cylindrical and uniformly red. Flesh cream colour and coarse.

Taste and ripening: Mildly acidic and aroma somewhat metallic. Should be picked fairly late and ripens middle or late December.

Experience and recommendations: A jewel in the garden in slightly warmer zones.

Beautiful blossom and very beautiful, red fruit which glow from afar. For some, Melon is the classic Christmas apple, and many appreciate its taste. Recommended hardiness zone: 1–3.

from Äldre äpplesorter för dagens trädgårdar (Old Apple Varieties for Today’s Gardens), Björn Kalin, SLU 2019

MORE ABOUT SWEDISH APPLES

Sweden should be able to be self-sufficient in apples between September and March. But, if so, the shops would have to change apple varieties according to the season, rather than selling the same sorts all year round.

There are three types of apples: summer, autumn and winter apples.

A summer apple should be eaten straight from the tree and has very short storage life. The taste deteriorates after just a few days in room temperature, but it can be kept a week or so in the fridge. Examples: Count Per’s Table Apple and Transparent Blanche.

Autumn apples should be harvested when they are tree-ripe, which means that they are still hard and sour, with pips that are beginning to turn brown. When the apples have after-ripened for a few weeks they will keep until late November/December if they are stored in a cool and airy place. Examples: Johannes Red Autumn
and Signe Tillisch.

Winter apples should also be harvested tree-ripe. They are ready to eat after around a month’s storage. They can be kept for several months if you have a cold, airy but frost-free storage place. Examples: Red Melon and Ingrid Marie.

IN BRIEF

• Three of four apples in Sweden are from other countries.
• An apple, and onion and a potato taste the same. It is the smell that makes the difference. Try for yourself! Pinch your nose, and taste a piece of each.
• Swedish apples are stored in smart cold rooms with hardly any oxygen. In this way, they keep longer.

DISPLAY ITEM

Fjäril (Butterfly)
Ornamental cushion embroidered with satin stitch, chain stitch, couching stitch and stem stitch. The pattern was designed for Jönköping County Handicraft Association.

FUN WITH APPLES:

BIRD APPLES

You need:

• Simple wire coat hangers
  or roll of steel-wire
• Pliers
• Apples

Do this:

If you are using a wire hanger:
Squeeze together the horizontal parts of the hanger;
the “trouser part” with the “top”.
Use pliers if you want.
Spike an apple on each end.
Fold up the ends to prevent the apples from falling off.
Spike another apple on the hook of the hanger.
If you want, you can hang a tallow ball
between the two bottom apples.

Done!

If you are using a roll of steel-wire:
Using pliers, cut off around 40 cm wire.
Make a spiral or loop at one end of the wire.
Skewer a few apples onto the wire.
Bend the other end into a hanger.

If you wish, you can decorate your apple stick by threading a wooden bead onto the wire before pushing on your apples.

Done!