Trees full of fruit: harvest time for apples and pears in Klein Zetelvitz!

Trees full of fruit: harvest time for apples and pears in Klein Zetelvitz!

The harvest is high in the picturesque orchards in Klein Zetelvitz, and not just for the locals! Pomologist Jürgen Thietke and his family invite all fruit lovers to take part in the harvest of around 300 trees with apples, pears and quinces. The call to harvest is no coincidence, as the first frosts have already hit the air and the pressure to harvest the delicious fruits on time is increasing. “The faster, the better,” Thietke is sure, in order to protect the prey from rotting. The harvest is not a compulsory event - those interested can flexibly make an appointment by telephone at 0174 9603683 and collect the untreated fruits on your own.

Another joy this year was the visit from a family from Demmin who took a large box of traditional Altländer pancakes with them. Fruit lovers should not miss this special apple variety as well as the Goldparmäne and Boskoop varieties recommended for winter. Thietke, who not only preserves fruit varieties but also has a passion for pomology, knows what he is talking about.

Pomology: An exciting subject

What exactly does the term pomology mean? This study of types and varieties of fruit, which originated in the 18th century, is more than just listing fruit. The term “pomology” was coined by Johann Hermann Knoop in 1758 and is central to the study of the selection and improvement of fruit varieties. In the decades that followed, interest in new fruit varieties flourished, resulting in many artistically illustrated works. Germany and France in particular became centers for this research.

The pomologists not only took care of breeding and describing fruit varieties, but also promoted the preservation of old varieties. The German Pomologists Association was founded in the 19th century, which actively dealt with the fruit variety from 1860 to 1919 and has currently been focusing on endangered varieties through a new association since 1991.

Preservation of varieties: Commitment of pomologists

The preservation of historical fruit varieties is a real concern for many pomologists. Of course, there are both challenges and successes in this endeavor. It is not uncommon that forgotten types of fruit that are mentioned in old writings such as the “Apple Book” by Elector August of Saxony can no longer be assigned today. Over the years, pomologists have ensured that this is not forgotten. Events in fruit growing clubs not only offer the identification and presentation of varieties, but also valuable help for hobby gardeners and professional fruit growers who would like advice on suitable varieties.

Nowadays, when many types of fruit are dependent on intensive cultivation, the search for robust, stable varieties is even more important. Thietke and many of his colleagues are committed to the goal of ensuring the preservation and cultivation of fascinating and diverse fruit varieties. In this way, they not only strengthen local fruit production, but also contribute to a more nutritionally conscious society.

So if you want to get a piece of happiness, you shouldn't wait too long! The generous invitation to the harvest beckons - and perhaps the apples, pears and quinces from Klein Zetelvitz will be a hit at the next autumn festival!