The best winter apple varieties that can be stored until spring

Apple trees are the most common fruit trees in our country. Their juicy, sweet, or slightly tart fruits are incredibly beneficial for our health. Ideally, the garden should include both early and winter varieties with a long shelf life.

What are the advantages of late apple varieties?

Late-ripening apple varieties have many advantages. Regarding the trees, these are primarily their resistance to temperature fluctuations and the ability to withstand even severe frosts without issue. Regarding the fruit, however, the following are particularly noteworthy:

• good shelf life;
• long shelf life;
• rich taste and aroma;
• dense consistency;
• possibility of transportation;
• versatility of use.

Winter apple varieties

There are many varieties of apples that can be stored all winter without any problems. All of them are considered late-ripening, but for convenience, we distinguish between:

• early winter (preferably consumed before the end of January - beginning of February);
• winter (the shelf life of these apples at home lasts until the end of March - beginning of April);
• late winter (can be eaten at the end of May - beginning of June).

It turns out that by choosing the right winter apple tree varieties, you can eat juicy fresh fruits all year round.

Idared

A late-ripening variety. Trees reach a height of three meters. Harvesting begins in the third year of the plant's life, but the most delicious apples are produced in the fifth or sixth year. The fruits are very juicy, with a rich flavor and pleasant aroma. Each weighs approximately 120-180 grams. Initially green, they later become covered with yellow and orange spots, and over time, often ripening after being picked from the tree, they acquire a uniform red "blush." ​​Harvesting should be done in late September - early October. They have a shelf life of up to 180 days. They are consumed fresh or dried, and are used to make compotes and juices.

Antaeus

This variety was developed in Belarus. It is distinguished by its exceptional frost resistance and long shelf life. The apples weigh approximately 150-200 grams, change color from green to dark brown as they ripen, and have a natural waxy coating. A full harvest can be harvested as early as the second year of the plant's life. The plant itself is short, reaching 2-2.5 meters. Apples can be picked until mid-October. They can be stored for up to 240 days. They develop their full flavor 40-60 days after harvest. They are suitable for fresh consumption, compotes, and desserts.

Alesya

This variety is considered early maturing. Harvesting can begin as early as the third year of the plant's life. The fruits are very juicy and attractive, with a uniform red skin and a light waxy coating. The flavor is sweet with a slight tartness and a subtle aroma. Each fruit weighs approximately 120-140 grams. The tree reaches a height of 4 meters, adapts well to environmental conditions, and has a strong immunity. The fruits can be stored without problems until mid- to late May. They can be eaten fresh or used in desserts.

Scarlet Anise

Residents of the Volga region should pay particular attention to this apple variety. It was bred specifically for this region. The plant can withstand temperatures down to -45°C (-45°F). The best yields begin in its fifth year. The fruits are small, weighing up to 60-70 grams each. The fruit is green, but the skin turns red as it ripens. The flesh is juicy, with a sweet and sour flavor. Harvesting continues until early November. The fruits can be stored until mid-spring. However, it's important to regularly ventilate the basement or cellar and monitor humidity levels. Treating the fruit for pepper spray is a good idea.

Antonovka

The firm apples have a uniform green color, turning yellow as they ripen. Trees can reach a height of 2 to 5 meters. Plant size does not affect the consistency of fruiting. Apples weigh up to 150 grams and are uniform in shape. The flavor is pleasant, richly sweet with a slight tartness and a wine-like aroma. They are eaten fresh and used in compotes. The variety is ideal for pickling and marinating. The apples have a short shelf life, lasting only until New Year's. Harvesting takes place in late September. If winter apple varieties with long shelf life require a pollinator, Antonovka is the best choice.

Belarusian synapse

Late-winter apple varieties store well and for a long time, but the Belarusian Sinap is the champion in this regard. Fruits picked in early October keep well until the next harvest, retaining their sweet flavor, juiciness, and pleasant aroma. The skin is yellow-green. Each apple weighs up to 250 grams. If the autumn is sunny rather than rainy, they develop a beautiful blush.

The plant enters its active fruiting phase in its second year. The tree has a beautiful shape and requires little crown shaping.

Bogatyr

Late winter Bogatyr variety, which can adapt to virtually any climate. Fruits weigh up to 180 grams and have a slightly tart flavor. They can be picked in late September. They can be stored until the end of May, gradually changing color from green to yellow. Some even develop a slight blush. The best yield occurs 5-6 years after planting. They are often grown commercially due to their resistance to many diseases, including scab, excellent marketability, ability to withstand long-distance shipping, and consistently high yields.

Currency

New winter varieties are developed by learning from previous mistakes. "Valuta" is unique in this regard. Apples can be harvested in the first year after planting. The fruits, weighing up to 100 grams, are yellow and gradually turn red. They are very juicy, with a sweet and sour taste and a rich aroma. Harvesting continues until mid-October. They can be stored for 2-4 months. The trees are short, up to 2 meters, and have a uniform shape. They require no crown shaping or treatment.

Golden Delicious

The fruit has excellent characteristics, but the plant definitely requires a pollinator. This is its only drawback. Otherwise, there are no difficulties in growing or storing the harvested crop. The variety has a high immunity and tolerates long-distance transportation well. The color is yellow, the shape is slightly elongated, and the skin is thin but firm. The skin may have "freckles." This is not a disease, but an indicator of naturalness and quality. The tree reaches a height of up to 6 meters, but produces excellent fruit even with a low crown (up to 2 meters). Harvesting takes place in late September, and the apples are stored until late spring.

Darunak

This variety is easy to grow and produces a consistently high yield starting in its third year. The apples are small, weighing up to 130 grams, very attractive, red, with juicy flesh and sweetness. They can be stored until early spring, and are harvested until mid-October. It's important to protect them from frost. This will increase the sweetness, but will reduce their shelf life by at least half.

Jonathan

These are delicious and juicy apples. The seedlings adapt well to any conditions, but the more fertile the soil, the higher the yield and the quality of the fruit. The trees reach 2.5 meters in height and require sufficient moisture for normal development. The variety is resistant to scab and powdery mildew. The fruit can be picked from mid-September. They are ready to eat right away, although the sweetest and juiciest Jonathan apples are those that have developed a uniform red color.

Mac

These winter apple varieties are considered unique. They were bred in Canada from a single surviving apple tree after being transplanted to a new location. The white and yellow fruits are decorated with stripes of red, burgundy, or purple. The best time to appreciate the flavor is two weeks after harvest. The flavor is very rich, moderately sweet. They are primarily eaten fresh, but are also suitable for preserves. This variety has many advantages, but consistent fruiting requires constant care, reliable winter shelter, fertilizing, and adequate watering. Maximum yield is achieved by the sixth year. The tree grows up to 4 meters and requires crown shaping.

Lobo

This is a daughter variety of McIntosh. The main advantage Lobo varieties – consistently high yields. It begins bearing fruit actively in its fourth year, increasing its yield annually from then on. It requires no maintenance. It is drought-resistant, has a strong immune system, and is frost-resistant. The tree grows up to 4 meters. It is recommended that the fruit be picked before October 5th and left to ripen indoors for 14-25 days. It can be stored for up to six months. Ripe apples have a uniform red color and juicy, sweet flesh.

Cortland

When choosing winter apple varieties for the central and southern regions, consider Cortland. It was bred in America, so it hasn't thrived in the north of our country. However, it produces excellent fruit in other regions. The fruits are green-yellow, with red vertical streaks, and are juicy. The flesh is grainy, sweet, and richly flavored. The average apple weight is 120 grams. Fruiting begins in the fifth year of life. The apples can be stored until May, but only in a cool cellar or refrigerator.

Moscow Winter

A wonderful variety with many advantages. The tree is medium-height, frost-resistant, and tolerates temperature fluctuations. The fruits are uniformly shaped, greenish-yellow, sometimes with red stripes. The flavor is sweet with a hint of tartness, the flesh is creamy and juicy, and the aroma is spicy. The apples can be picked from late September, but they will need about another month to ripen. They can be stored until mid-spring and are primarily consumed fresh.

Saffron pepin

The best winter apple varieties are those that have stood the test of time. This variety is considered one of the "oldest." Harvesting begins in its fifth year, but is intermittent. It reaches a height of up to 6 meters. The fruits are small, weighing up to 80 grams, but very sweet and juicy. Red on top, but the underlying color is greenish-yellow. A distinctive feature is the rich, spicy aroma. Undoubted advantages include resistance to the harsh Russian climate and the ability to recover from illness or frostbite. Harvesting continues until mid-October, and the fruits are stored until mid-March.

Red Delicious

In addition to the high quality of their fruit, these winter-hardy trees are very attractive. When the plant is young, the crown resembles an inverted pyramid, but later it rounds out, becoming spherical. Active fruiting begins in the third year of the plant's life. The apples are quite large (up to 250 grams) and sweet, developing a juicy red color as they ripen. However, they have a distinct iron flavor, which is not to everyone's taste. Harvesting takes place before the onset of cold weather and rain. It is advisable to harvest all the apples by early October. One drawback is the risk of bitter spot in fruits stored in storage.

Renet Simirenko

A very tasty apple variety. The appearance of the fruit and the trees themselves may vary depending on growing conditions. Trees do not require crown shaping, but can reach heights of 6 meters or more. They tolerate drought, high humidity, and strong winds well. A distinctive feature is the 2-3 "warts" on each apple. This is not a disease, but a characteristic of the variety. The peel itself is green, sometimes with a slight blush, and the growths have a rusty tint. The flesh is juicy, white, with a wine-like aroma. They are eaten primarily fresh. They store well both indoors and in the cold (cellar or pantry). The shelf life is up to 250 days. Active fruiting begins in the fourth year of the plant's life.

Rossoshanskoe Striped

These beautiful apples are often grown commercially. However, this variety is rarely planted for private consumption. It is very susceptible to scab and requires treatment with special preparations several times per season. The fruits weigh up to 350 grams and are sweet, juicy, and aromatic. They store well and can be easily transported, even over long distances. Active fruiting begins in the third year of the plant's life.

Northern Sinap

Plant this spreading tree in your garden and you'll be blessed with a bountiful supply of healthy and delicious apples every year (starting when the tree is five years old). The fruit is green, but may have a slight blush. Harvest in mid-October, but consume at least two weeks later to allow for ripening. The fruits can be stored until mid-April. Each apple weighs up to 170 grams and has a juicy, sweet flavor. The trees have a high immunity.

Sinap Orlovsky

If you decide to plant these trees on your property, you need to ensure there's enough space for them. It's also important to keep in mind that for consistent fruiting (the active phase begins in the fifth year of life), they need regular calcium feeding. The apples have a very attractive presentation, a sweet taste with a slightly pleasant tartness. The skin is green, with a slight blush appearing on the sides. They are almost uniform in size, weighing about 150 grams each. Harvesting takes place in the second half of September. They can be stored for up to six months. They are excellent both fresh and for preserves.

Honey Crisp

These delicious apples have a unique, crisp flesh. They were bred in America but quickly adapted to our harsh climate. The fruits are large, weighing up to 350 grams. They are green with a red blush. The flesh is juicy, with a pleasant wine aroma and a slight tartness. Fruiting begins in the third year. If stored in the refrigerator or cellar, the apples will last until the end of February.

Welsey

This variety was bred in America but has thrived in our country. The tree can withstand temperatures down to -25°C without shelter. Harvesting can begin in the third year, but to maximize yields, annual crown shaping is necessary. Each fruit weighs up to 130 grams. The skin is firm, yellow-red. The flesh is greenish and very juicy. The apples reach their best flavor a month after harvesting, which can be done from late September. Welsh varieties until the end of March.

Winter apple varieties offer many advantages. Choose the best options available in your region to ensure your family has fresh, nutritious fruit year-round.