Time to harvest late apple varieties. Apples Antonovka

On August 19, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which is popularly called the Apple Savior. On this day, apples and other fruits of the new harvest are blessed in churches.

According to legend, you cannot eat garden apples until this day. In truth, this does not make sense, because in our area around this time the early varieties of apples ripen.

Basket - on a tree

Apples must be harvested on time. Harvesting too early threatens to significantly reduce taste qualities fruit, and delays in harvesting increase carrion, impair the ability of apples to be stored and inhibit the formation of fruit buds for the future harvest.

Start by preparing containers and equipment. It is worth paying close attention to this, since apples are a delicate and perishable fruit and even the most a short time depends on the safety of the crop. For collecting apples, baskets or buckets lined with burlap are best suited so that the fruits do not come into direct contact with a hard surface and are less prone to damage and spoilage. It is also good to stock up on special wooden or metal hooks of medium diameter - they are needed to hang a basket or bucket on a thicker branch. Agree, it is more convenient and faster to harvest from a tree when the container is immediately at hand and you do not have to bend over to it - as would be the case if it stood on the ground.

You will, of course, also need a light and comfortable staircase and a fruit picker - to remove apples from the very top. Under no circumstances should you pick apples without ladders or by climbing a tree. The bark of apple trees is very delicate and easily damaged, and if you step on the branches even without shoes, you can damage it, and the slightest damage to the bark can cause disease for the tree.

Immediately prepare containers for storing apples - boxes with a capacity of about 18-25 kilograms. Before starting work, do not forget to thoroughly wash the containers and equipment and dry them in the sun.

Get to work when you see that healthy fruits, undamaged by pests and diseases, begin to fall without the slightest breeze or simply begin to easily separate from the branch. But under no circumstances should you shake the apples off the trees! This can only be done if you want to immediately eat the “rosy and plump” drink you like. After all, it will no longer be possible to store it.

Immature? Overripe?

So, white filling, early red, yellow arcade, early and Moscow pear, mantet, lungwort, papirovka - I, of course, did not list all the early varieties - have already collected juice and are ready to be removed from the tree as soon as possible.

8 Basic Rules for Apple Picking

1 It should begin with collecting carrion. It is not at all harmless, because in each of the fallen apples there may be a worm or caterpillar that will spread throughout the garden and make it sick. To avoid this, the carrion should be buried immediately.

2 Start picking apples from the lower branches, then from the middle of the crown and from the top. With this harvest, fewer apples fall to the ground.

3 The apples are removed along with the stalk, which is carefully separated from the branch (without the stalk the fruit will not be stored well). The apple is clasped with your fingers, pressing the index finger on the stalk at the place of its attachment to the fruit branch, and, lifting it a little, it is separated from the fruit. In this case, you cannot pull the apple down, unscrew it or tear it off the branch. This way you will break off the stalk and the fruit will not grow in this place soon.

4 Work in the mornings in dry weather. This rule especially applies to autumn and winter varieties - fruits collected in such conditions are stored much better.

5 Summer varieties of apples intended for processing, transportation or short-term storage are harvested at the beginning of ripeness, that is, slightly unripe.

6 Early varieties become overripe in 2-3 days, and therefore it is advisable to harvest them selectively, depending on the degree of ripeness. As a rule, fruits ripen faster on the south side of trees or at the top.

7 Place only healthy and undamaged apples in the basket. Fruits with a wormhole, deformed or already fallen are collected separately.

8 It is better to harvest late varieties as late as possible, but before the fruit begins to fall off. The later you shoot, the better their quality will be. However, you need to have time to harvest before the onset of autumn frosts, since apples damaged by frost will not be stored.

And in the morning - to the cellar

The harvested fruits are carefully laid out from baskets and buckets into boxes prepared in advance and lined with paper. Handle fruits with particular care early varieties. In this case, each variety must be placed in containers and stored separately, taking into account the size of the apple and its degree of ripeness. Pour winter varieties in compliance with following rules: Place one hand under the bottom of the basket or bucket, and support the apples with the other so that they do not spill out of the inverted container. The container turned over in this way is lowered to the level of the fruits already poured, the hand is removed and the apples are gently poured into the box. You should not lay them out one at a time - this will cause them more damage.

The fruits placed in boxes are left in the shade to cool overnight. And early in the morning, when it’s cool, put the apples in the cellar - before the day’s heat penetrates there, this will help them be stored longer. Place the boxes one on top of the other in 6 to 10 rows at a distance of 20 cm from the wall. Place 5-6 cm thick slats or bricks under the lowest one so that the fruits can be ventilated from below. And do not put apples in the cellar for the winter along with potatoes or beets - the proximity of these vegetables will cause the apples to lose their taste.

Important

Apples and vegetables are well preserved if the boxes with them are placed in thick polyethylene bags. The free end of the bag with the box is then twisted and tied with twine. Polyethylene packaging allows carbon dioxide to pass through well, oxygen a little less, and almost no water vapor at all. A low-oxygen, high-carbon-dioxide environment will help your apples maintain their freshness and flavor much like their counterparts that are stored in special atmosphere-controlled facilities.

Experiments have shown that if apples are stored at home in plastic packaging for five months, they will practically not lose weight.

curious

Labeled apples

If you have apple trees in your garden that produce red fruits, you can prepare original gift. Choose an apple growing on sunny side, - already quite large, but not yet reddened.

From foil, cut out the initials of the person you are going to surprise and glue it to the apple. You can take not foil, but any paper that does not allow Sun rays, for example, black, in which photographic materials are packaged.

When it's time to harvest, you pick an apple from the branch, remove the foil - the initials will be clearly visible.

Canned apples

Cut the apples into slices, add granulated sugar (per 1 kg - 200 g), stir and wait until the juice begins to stand out. Place in a stainless steel pan, be sure to close the lid, put on the fire and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. After 3-5 minutes of gentle boiling, fill the pre-prepared, sterilized jars, immediately roll them up and turn them upside down. You can add other fruits to apples - cranberries, plums, chokeberries... But before cooking, rowan berries must be scalded with boiling water to soften them a little.

In reality, figuring out how to store Antonovka is quite difficult, since this variety of apples does not have good shelf life. When they are grown in industrial scale, special chemicals are usually used to better protect these fruits from premature spoilage. In addition, in this case, the technology for collecting apples and storing them is strictly observed.

At the right approach the fruits can be preserved almost until the end of winter, even at home. However, there are a number of subtleties in this matter that must be taken into account. How long apples last depends largely on how they were picked and packaged, as well as temperature regime and humidity in the room where they will be located. Without taking into account all these features, it will be extremely difficult to ensure that the fruits do not rot.

Collection of Antonovka and its packaging for storage

Almost all varieties of apples have a special waxy coating on the surface. It protects fruits not only from pathogenic bacteria and many types of pests, but also from atmospheric phenomena. This is very important point which you should pay attention to Special attention. In order for Antonovka to be stored at home for as long as possible, the fruits must be collected before they become overripe and very carefully so as not to damage the existing waxy covering.

Collection technique

It is best to start picking fruit from the lower tiers of the tree. You should not pick them up with your hands. It is best to unscrew the apples while keeping the stem intact. Fruits should be collected only when there is no rainfall. It is necessary to begin work in the middle of the day, when the existing dew has completely dried. Apples picked wet don't last long. It is also not a good idea to place fruits on the ground while picking them, as they will most likely begin to rot in the future.

Sorting

It is best to immediately set aside all fruits that have defects or were crushed during picking, as they are not suitable for storage. Further all harvested Antonovkas must be sorted by size. It is known that large fruits emit more ethylene, which contributes to more rapid maturation small. To avoid this, apples different sizes must be sorted into separate containers.

What to store in

To store apples, you need to prepare cardboard or wooden boxes and, if necessary, make many holes in them, they should also be disinfected and dried in advance. It should be taken into account that after picking, it is recommended to store apples for 12-24 hours. The bottom of the container intended for storing Antonovka must be carefully covered with paper. The fruits are placed stalks down to avoid damage.

Some gardeners wrap each fruit before storing it in soft paper towels, or after laying them out in boxes they are sprinkled with sawdust from deciduous trees. This really helps to avoid damage to the fruit when storing and in some cases improves the keeping quality of the fruit, since they do not touch each other. However, the effect of this method is not too significant, so it is quite possible to do without it.

At the same time, it should be borne in mind that if the fruits are wrapped in soft paper or covered with sawdust, it is quite possible to use the remaining space in the box to form the next layer. This allows you to significantly save space if only deep containers are available. You cannot lay one layer of apples directly on top of another, as this will significantly reduce their shelf life and cause the fruit to quickly rot.

Chemical method

Some modern gardeners use chemical methods to increase the shelf life of Antonovka. For this purpose it is often used

  • alcohol solution of propolis;
  • Vaseline oil;
  • wax;
  • glycerin, etc.

The fruits are thoroughly rubbed with these substances before storing them. This method has its drawbacks. This treatment removes the natural waxy coating and increases the risk of damage to the apples. In addition, rubbing fruits with various chemicals can cause a deterioration in their taste and beneficial qualities.

Immediately before taking the boxes of apples to the room where they will be stored, you need to place the containers in separate transparent plastic bags. They need to be tied. This will prevent moisture loss and oxygen supply. In most cases, this method allows you to preserve the crop longer. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account if there is a fungus on the fruit, high humidity may cause an increase in its population.

Creating conditions for storing Antonovka at home

This variety of apples usually does not last longer than 3 months, but when created optimal conditions it can be slightly extended.

The optimal temperature for storing Antonovka ranges from +2 to 0°C. The relative humidity in the room should be about 90-95%.

It is very important that such conditions are maintained in the cellar throughout the entire storage period of apples. This will prevent the fruit from gradually withering. You should not place these fruits next to vegetables, as the latter can be a source of fungal infection. If possible, you should periodically inspect the fruits and remove those that are affected by rot or mold. This will allow you to preserve the remaining ones longer.

How long an Antonovka is stored depends not only on how carefully the preparation for its laying was carried out, but also on the conditions in which it will be located. When preparing apples of this variety for the winter, you need to take into account that first of all you should eat large specimens. Such fruits never dry out.

Due to excess moisture content, large apples begin to rot as they spoil, which contributes to the damage to other fruits. Relatively small fruits can be preserved for 4-5 months if optimal conditions are created for them at home.

Gardeners' experience. Video

Among all the green varieties of apples known in Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine, Antonovka is especially common, not just tasty, but also healthy. This apple variety is one of the oldest, believed to have been bred through random selection back in the 19th century in the Kursk province. Antonovka is a late-ripening autumn variety. Its easily recognizable aroma and pleasant sour taste have been familiar to many since childhood. But besides taste qualities, Antonovka can bring certain benefits to the body and has many beneficial properties.

Antonovka description

Apples have unique properties and contain many vitamins and other nutrients, beneficial for the human body. This variety is no exception. And given its long history, it is safe to say that these apples remain the most beloved for many today.

It was first described in the mid-19th century (in 1848), as they now say by amateur gardener N.I. Krasnoglazov. It was a popular variety in the territory Russian Empire And Soviet Union, as well as in Poland. The most popular Russian variety considered to be “Antonovka vulgaris”. Its popularity is explained by the tree’s ability to withstand harsh Russian winters, excellent taste qualities and good keeping quality.

In 1947, after tests that began in 1939, it was entered into the state register and recommended for cultivation in the northern regions. Modern varieties with this name were bred in the mid-20th century by Soviet breeders.

It is worth noting that Antonovka is a generalized name for a number of subspecies of apple trees, among which the most popular are:

  • Common Antonovka;
  • Chinese;
  • Kamenichka;
  • Golden Monk;
  • Antonovka white;
  • Gray Antonovka.

This variety of apple trees is characterized by:

  • Tallness wood;
  • Semicircular crown;
  • White flowers;
  • Unpretentiousness in cultivation;
  • Generous yield (though not every year);
  • Large fruit size (from 120 to 300 grams);
  • Round or elongated apple shape;
  • Long-term preservation of fruit and presentation;
  • Ease of transportation;
  • Autumn picking of ripe fruits;
  • Greenish yellow the color of an apple at the time of picking and a completely yellow peel after some time of storage, very dense and shiny;
  • General storage after picking apples is up to three months.

The pulp of the fruit is juicy and dense; after storage, graininess is felt.

Why Antonovka is useful - composition and calorie content

Almost even a child knows the fact that apples of any variety contain iron and ascorbic acid.

At the same time, the most common apple variety - Antonovka, has a much expanded range of useful elements, among which are observed:

  • Vegetable proteins;
  • Saturated fatty acids;
  • Monounsaturated fatty acids;
  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids;
  • Carbohydrates;
  • Fiber (insoluble coarse fiber);
  • Tannins;
  • Pectin substances;
  • Retinol (or vitamin A);
  • B vitamins (thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic and folic acids);
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid);
  • Tocopherol (vitamin E);
  • Vitamin K (phylloquinone) is not quite common in plant products;
  • Row minerals, represented by iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, manganese.

The total calorie content of 100 grams of Antonovka pulp is no more than 48 kilocalories.

The energy ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is 3/0/96%.

This variety is characterized by a high content of vitamin C, with about 14 mg per 100 grams.

Pectin substances provide fruits with excellent gelling properties, which makes them possible to use for making jelly, marshmallows and other sweets.

Antonovka beneficial properties

The pulp of the fruit contains a lot of potassium, which regulates cellular fluid and prevents the appearance of edema, including cardiac edema. All this helps to cleanse the body and remove various toxic substances and toxins.

Thanks to the presence of pectin, this variety of apples helps improve the functioning of the digestive tract, simultaneously removing harmful substances, reducing bad cholesterol levels and preventing constipation.

Everyone knows about the benefits of iron for maintaining normal hemoglobin levels and preventing anemia.

A complex of useful mineral compounds improves bile secretion.

The B complex of vitamins has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system and brain activity.

Antonovka can be eaten by pregnant and breastfeeding women. It belongs to the green varieties of apples and will not cause an allergic reaction in a child. For the former, it can be a good prevention of anemia, relieve swelling, which often affects women during this period, and give the body essential vitamins and minerals.

Due to the low calorie content, a large number pectin and fiber, it is useful for weight loss and fasting days.

Antonovka fruits contain a small amount of sugar. vitamins and minerals present in fruits strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve their elasticity. All this has an impact on cardiovascular system, helping reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

The best variety for soaking apples is Antonovka. They retain all the beneficial nutrients and are not as sour as fresh ones.

Antonovka benefits for the body

It seems like apples are known to every consumer. But not everyone knows about the enormous beneficial capabilities of such a familiar plant product.

  • Maintaining hemoglobin levels at the required level;
  • obstacles to the development of anemia;
  • Strengthening the immune system;
  • Normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • Effective removal of toxins and waste;
  • Eliminate constipation;
  • Reducing excess body weight (Antonovka is a dietary product);
  • Better separation of bile;
  • Bringing the functioning of the renal system back to normal;
  • Stabilization of water-salt balance due to diuretic action;
  • Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
  • Removal and regulation of cholesterol levels;
  • Normalization of glucose levels;
  • Restoring thyroid function;
  • Strengthening the functioning of the nervous system;
  • Prevention of the development of varicose veins (you should drink freshly squeezed juice);
  • Treatment of various skin injuries (fresh apple pulp is applied to frostbite or burn areas, cracks);
  • Preventing the occurrence of cancer (apples are a powerful antioxidant product);
  • Prevention of the development of allergic reactions in pregnant women (it is better to eat soaked apples) and their future babies.

In cosmetology, fresh Antonovka helps:

  • Rejuvenate aging skin;
  • Get rid of age spots;
  • Improve skin tone and color;
  • Quickly refresh the face and neck area;
  • Relieve skin inflammation (make apple masks);
  • Whiten nails and hands (skin);
  • Prevent dry lips (apple pulp mixed with olive oil).

Antonovka apples used in cooking

It is known that Antonovka pulp has yellowish flesh and a sweet-sour taste.

Often, people like to eat apples fresh, unprocessed. These fruits are a common ingredient in many dishes. They are prepared from:

  • Juice;
  • Compotes;
  • Guilt;
  • Jam;
  • Jam;
  • Marmalade;
  • Pastila;
  • Fruit salads;
  • Snacks;
  • Baking fillings (apple pies are especially popular).

For long-term storage they are wetted and also dried.

Antonovka is often added to cabbage when fermenting (instead of vinegar). To prepare beets with apples, it is also better to take this particular variety.

Traditionally, poultry is stuffed with apple.

Contraindications and harm

Despite the many useful qualities of Antonovka, its use still needs to be treated with caution, because:

  • Individual intolerance to the product may occur;
  • exceeding consumption doses or eating the product on an empty stomach can aggravate chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach ulcers and duodenum intestines, colitis, flatulence);
  • malic acids thin tooth enamel (it is recommended to rinse your mouth with clean water after use);
  • apple seeds contain amygdalin glycoside, which in the stomach it turns into hydrocyanic acid;
  • It is highly not recommended to eat unpeeled apples.

The only “plus” is the absence of carcinogenic substances in apples.

When to pick Antonovka apples

Fruit ripening depends on the region of growth. In the south, Antonovka ripens earlier. In more northern areas - later. In Tunisia, for example, they ripen in mid-July. IN middle lane Antonovka can be harvested from mid-September to October.

The first sign that says it’s time to pick apples is the beginning of yellowing of the peel. Fruits are collected for storage when they are not fully ripe.

For good keeping quality, each apple is picked separately by hand or with a special device for picking apples so as not to damage the skin of the fruit.

Fallen apples can not be stored long time, but it is better to immediately process them into jam, marmalade, marmalade or other preparations.

The shelf life of apples, oddly enough, also depends on the region of growth. Our famous breeder Simirenko spoke about this feature of the variety. Yes, exactly the one after whom the apple is named. The further north you go, the longer the shelf life of apples. He noted that in Moscow it used to be possible to buy an Antonovka in early May. And southern apples are stored less. On average, the fruits of this variety are stored for three months.

At home, you can store it in the refrigerator or put it in plastic bags that need to be tightly tied. The best place storage in this case is a balcony or loggia.

Interesting facts about Antonovka apples

This apple is sometimes called the "people's apple." The reason for this is the special love of our summer residents for this variety. Antonovka was the most widespread variety throughout the post-Soviet space. Even today it remains the favorite of many and many want to have it on their plot, despite the many modern varieties that are more resistant to disease and bear fruit regularly.

Due to the relatively low sugar content, Antonovka best variety for apple pies.

It makes excellent fragrant apple wine and cider.

Due to its classification today as a cultivar, it is often used as a rootstock.

She first appeared in the Kursk province, where even today she is treated with love and respect.

Since 2000, the Kursk Antonovka Prize has been awarded in the Kursk region for various achievements.

August 19, 2008, on the day Yablochnogo Savior, Antonovka was immortalized in a monument by the sculptor Vyacheslav Rykova. The monument is located on Lenin Street in the regional city of Kursk. An apple with a diameter of one and a half meters is installed on the pedestal.

Story by Ivan Bunin " Antonov apples"is a tribute to this variety.

This is our Antonovka. And even though it has not received such love and appreciation abroad, for us it still remains the most delicious and every autumn we wait for the fruits to appear in order to prepare a variety of preparations and stock up on apples for the winter.

What are the benefits of Antonovka apples and recipes for their use?

There is no crop more popular among gardeners than apples. It’s rare that a garden doesn’t grow these bright and juicy fruits, rich in vitamins and microelements. It would seem that harvesting apples is a simple matter. But in order for the fruits to be stored longer, you need to properly harvest the apples and take into account a number of features. I'll tell you about them.


When to Harvest

It is customary to divide apple varieties into three groups:

  • summer varieties;
  • autumn varieties;
  • winter varieties.

When it's time to harvest your apples depends on the variety of apples grown on your property. In addition, it also depends on your goals. Thus, the harvest of summer varieties is consumed immediately. Apple picking begins in mid-August, and their shelf life is low, no more than a month. Autumn varieties Harvested from late August - early September, the harvest can be stored for up to 4 months. True, by the end of the storage period the apple pulp becomes loose. Winter varieties are the most shelf-stable. They are collected from the end of September - mid-October; they are not suitable for food straight from the branch. The harvest of winter varieties ripens as they are stored and can be stored until spring.


How to determine the ripeness of apples

The indicated periods are very arbitrary. The ripeness of apples is affected by air temperature and humidity, tree care, and summer aridity. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to correctly determine the ripeness of apples. I'll teach you how to do it. If harvested early, the taste of the apples will deteriorate. If apples are left on the branches too long, they will taste mealy and the flesh will turn brown. There are several ways to determine the ripeness of apples:

  • Carrion. If there are large apples among the fallen apples, the harvest is ripe.
  • Press on the apple thumb. If the dent disappears, the apples are not ripe. If the skin splits under your finger, you are late in harvesting. If the dent does not level out, start picking the fruit.
  • Tasting. The ripe fruit is bright and even in color, without darkening on the skin. The pulp is light, sweet and sour. The seeds are dark Brown.
  • Chemical method. Prepare a solution of water, potassium iodide and iodine. Drop the solution onto the cut of the apple and observe the reaction for a couple of minutes. Iodine reacts with starch, which is abundant in unripe apples; the amount of starch decreases as they ripen. If the cut turns blue, the fruits are not ripe. A yellow cut indicates that the harvest has been over-exposed. Blue border of the cut with a yellow core - start harvesting.

There are specially prepared chemical kits on sale for conducting a test based on the latter option.


How to harvest

Any gardener knows how to properly harvest apples. The second half of the day is suitable for this work. Wait for warm sunny weather, without precipitation. It is important to follow this rule when collecting winter varieties. Start picking apples from the lower branches, gradually working your way up. Reaching the apples growing on the upper branches will help special devices, for example, a hook for bending branches or special design for collecting apples, similar to a net. On the southern side of the tree, apples will ripen faster by two to three days. Pick the apples carefully, including the stem, and try not to damage the tree branches. Remember that only healthy fruits are suitable for storage, without dents, damage or wormholes.


How to store the harvest

To preserve the apple harvest, prepare wooden boxes with ventilation holes. Treat them with a solution of potassium permanganate and dry thoroughly in the sun. Then place it on the bottom blank sheets paper Place apples in boxes immediately after picking, without leaving them in the sun. The fruits should not be washed in order to leave the matte film intact, protecting them from rotting. Leave the boxes in a cool, ventilated area. Maintain the temperature to 5 degrees, do not allow freezing. Systematically sort through the apples and remove rotten and spoiled specimens.

I hope in this article I answered all questions about autumn harvest apple harvest. Have a bountiful harvest to you!

Antonovka is still considered a truly Russian apple variety, carefully cultivated by amateur gardeners. This unpretentious tree can survive both treacherous frosts and dry summer heat, continuing to delight with the sweetness of its fruits for more than one season. And, despite the abundance of varieties of imported apples, many remain faithful to Antonovka.

History of the variety's creation

Many opinions have been expressed regarding the origin of the Antonovka apple tree variety, based on the assumptions and evidence of pomologists from different times.

Why is the variety called that? It is believed that its name fruit tree received from a gardener named Anton, who crossed a wild apple tree with some cultivated variety.

Pre-revolutionary fruit growers consider Antonovka the birthplace of Kursk province with her favorable natural conditions for variety formation. Other varieties with a similar name come from crossing Antonovka with other species.

Therefore it is still impossible to give precise definition, how many varieties of apple trees actually exist that can rightfully be called Antonovka. However, there is an opinion that this variety of apples gained its popularity only due to the large number of varieties from new, recently bred varieties. Such species may differ from the true form of the fruit, or, conversely, the true Antonovka will be called by a completely different name.

Features of the structure of a tree as it grows

Antonovka trees belong to the species of vigorous types of trees and can grow quite large in size - up to 5-6 m in height. Description: the crown has oval shape, with the lifespan of the tree it is able to increase and change its shape to round.

The main branches usually point upward, but after several years they begin to bush and grow to the sides. This happens with the beginning of fruiting.

The bark on the branches and young shoots is brown. The leaves are oblong, bright green with jagged edges. The inflorescences are large, white with a subtle pale pink tint.

Young apple tree of the Antonovka variety with fruits

Description of the apple tree variety Antonovka

Taste and decorative features of the fruit

Calorie content of fruits

"Antonovsky" apples have a bright taste and unique aroma. They contain vitamin C, pectin and other bioactive components that are so necessary for humans. The low percentage of sugar is an undeniable factor that distinguishes Antonovka from other varieties, and indicates a low proportion of calories and the benefits of the fruit.

Calorie table for Antonovka apples per 100 g

Benefits of fruits

Fruits grown in early winter plantings are able to remain fresh longer and at the same time become sweeter and juicier. Juices, compotes, jams, jams, marshmallows and other dishes are often prepared from varieties of such apples.

Antonovka apples have beneficial properties for the human body:

  • due to the high iron content, they help maintain hemoglobin at the required level and prevent the development of anemia;
  • improve kidney function and normalize fluid levels in the body;
  • reduce the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases;
  • thanks to pectin, they regulate the amount of cholesterol and glucose in the blood;
  • strengthen nervous system and immunity;
  • Apple infusion is useful for the prevention of varicose veins;
  • A paste of fresh Antonovka apples treats frostbite, burns and cracks.

Other Features

Due to their low sugar content, soaked and baked apples can be consumed by people with diabetes. And thanks to the content of natural antioxidants, Antonovka fruits are widely used as prophylactic during the period of active spread of viruses and infections.

Features of Antonovka fruits

Baked apples of the Antonovka variety can be consumed by people suffering from diabetes. Juices, jams, marmalade and other dishes are often prepared from apples of the Antonovka variety. Antonovka contains vitamin C, pectin and other bioactive components, necessary for a person The calorie content of 100 g of Antonovka apples is 44 kcal

Advantages and disadvantages of the Antonovka variety

Winter hardiness

The undoubted advantage of this variety is its resistance to high and low temperatures. Also worth noting good growth and fruiting on lands with poorer conditions for gardening under conditions proper care. It is noted that Antonovka is less fruitful if the soil is too moist or if it has been in arid conditions for a long time.

Diseases and resistance to them

Antonovka is generally considered an unpretentious variety, resistant to various types of diseases, but it is worth considering that with high rates infectious diseases agricultural lands or being damaged by pests, there is a risk of a disease such as scab.

Harvest quantity

Gradually, the yield of trees increases and by the age of 20, up to 200 kg of apples are harvested from one tree. But if initially the harvest is regular, then trees that have bloomed for several years bring harvest only periodically. Another feature of the variety is the duration of storage depending on the growing area.

The fruits, which are collected from trees in the northern regions, have a shelf life of up to 4 months, and their taste only improves. Winter varieties of apples grown in the south have a short shelf life and spoil much faster.

Productivity of Antonovka

Rules for planting seedlings

When to plant?

Antonovka can be planted both in spring and autumn. In most regions of Russia, the planting deadline is October 20. A plant planted later may not have time to take root. In the spring optimal time The time for planting is at the end of April.

When planting seedlings in spring, the soil must be prepared in advance, preferably from October. In loose soil winter period The temperature difference will help fight weeds by killing their seeds.

Which soil is preferable?

To plant a seedling, prepare a hole 80x100 cm. Having loosened the soil in it, you need to leave the hole in this condition for a couple of weeks. This sequence of actions is created so that the young shoot takes root better in the hole and begins to bear fruit earlier.

The bottom of the hole is immediately lined with turf when planting, compacted well and watered. Soil mixed with manure, humus, peat and compost is poured on top. Also added here mineral fertilizers. This layer is lined by 10-20 cm and is considered the middle one.

Distance between seedlings when planting

In order for the seedlings to begin to grow faster and bear fruit, a distance of at least 1 m from each other in diameter is maintained between them when planting.

The seedling is placed in the hole, covered with earth and tied to a peg. All leaves on the shoot must be torn off to increase the flow of nutrients to the root. After the shoot is planted in the ground, it can be watered.

Care rules depending on the season and month

Trimming

Trees are pruned in the spring 3 weeks before the growing season begins. Broken, dry branches and wild shoots are removed, and the crown itself is thinned out.

Top dressing

In order for Antonovka’s fruiting to be sufficiently active, it must be fertilized at least 4 times a year.

The first feeding with urea is carried out even before flowering begins. 50-100 g will be enough for a young tree, and 500-600 g for an adult. Fertilizer is scattered in the projection of the crown. The second time the tree crown is fertilized when the first flowers appear, using 200 g of potassium sulfate, 200 g of superphosphate, 5 liters of slurry and 100 g of urea. The third fertilizing in the form of 100 g of nitroammophoska is applied when the fruits ripen. The last feeding is needed after the fruits have been harvested. 300 g of potassium sulfate and superphosphate will be enough.

Pest protection

To avoid diseases and premature spoilage of fruits, it is necessary to treat with special preparations that help in the fight against insects that harm the growth and proper development of trees.

When spraying trees before flowering, about 90% of the main pests usually die. During this period, it is most advisable to use a 0.1% solution of karbofos or a 0.1% solution of rovikurt among poisons. During the period of swelling of the buds and green cone, spraying with 3% Bordeaux mixture is also carried out.

During the period when two-thirds of the petals of the Antonovka apple tree fall off, they should be treated against diseases. To do this, use 1% Bordeaux mixture or 0.4% copper oxychloride. It is better to spray with pesticides before sunset and even at night (if there is no dew).

The best pollinators for the Antonovka variety

Since Antonovka does not pollinate itself, you should take care of its pollinators in advance. The best of them are: Anise, White filling, Striefel, Pepin saffron and Welsey.

Photo gallery of the best pollinators

Striefel - very popular variety in Russia
The Welsey variety is distinguished by high yield and good winter hardiness Pepin saffron - an excellent Winter variety selected by I. V. Michurina
White filling - very famous variety for all Anise-lovers gardeners - winter variety apples Perfect for pollinating Antonovka

Other Features

After heavy and prolonged rainfall an important condition is the saturation of the soil with oxygen. To carry out aeration, you can use metal rods or forks, making punctures in the soil up to a depth of approximately 30 cm.

Antonovka − unpretentious variety, but still requires attention and care. Only with proper and timely care can a good harvest be achieved. During the period of active fruit ripening, it is necessary to maintain sufficient soil moisture. In hot weather and severe drought, one generous watering per week is sufficient.

Autumn apple tree care

Rules for harvesting and storing crops

When does Antonovka begin to bear fruit? Deadlines

The first fruit harvest can be harvested in an average of 3–5 years, depending on planting conditions. On vigorous rootstocks - after 7 years, and on dwarf rootstocks - after 2 years after planting.

Fruit ripening. When can you harvest and harvest?

Antonovka is a late variety, so the tree is harvested in September-October. But it is important to have time to collect the fruits before the first frost and let them ripen in a cool place. For better and longer preservation of the crop, it must be harvested correctly. It is best to do this manually, carefully detaching the fruit from the branch. It is undesirable to shake the apple tree, since fallen apples begin to quickly deteriorate at the point where they hit the ground. Baskets, wooden boxes or plastic buckets are usually used for collection.

How to preserve collected apples in winter?

After harvesting, the fruits must be sorted, separating healthy ones from spoiled ones. A favorable place for storing Antonovka is mostly wooden boxes, on the bottom and between the rows of fruits of which you need to line paper.

If it is possible to store apples in wooden boxes no, there is another common storage method - in plastic bags. To do this, you need to place a piece of cotton wool the size of Walnut, having previously moistened it in alcohol or vinegar. After the bag is tied, small holes should be made in it with a match to improve gas exchange.

Once packaged, the apples are stored in cool rooms that are regularly ventilated and maintained at the required temperature, which is about 0 degrees.

Other Important Rules

For long-term storage of apples winter time important aspect is the preservation of the primary apple plaque on the surface. All manipulations should be done in such a way as not to touch the fruits with bare hands, carefully pouring them from one container to another.

Apples should not be stored together with other vegetables or fruits due to the appearance of a starchy taste and loss of their basic taste.

Varieties of varieties and their characteristics + photos

Ordinary

The founder of the variety is considered to be Antonovka vulgaris, from which a considerable number of different varieties. The fruits are medium and small in size and have a bright yellow hue with a characteristic sour taste and an incomparable aroma. It is believed that the quality and duration of storage of Antonovka will be better if additional turf is laid between the seedlings.

The fruits of apples of the Antonovka vulgaris variety have a bright yellow hue.

Dessert

This variety is not as frost-resistant as Antonovka vulgaris and is more susceptible to scab. The fruits of dessert Antonovka are large and shaped like ordinary ones. The color is green with a pink tint. The pulp is juicy with a sweet and sour taste.

Apples of the Antonovka dessert variety are green with a pink tint

Golden

Zolotaya Antonovka tolerates it quite well low temperatures and resistant to scab. It bears fruit well and is considered a variety that ripens earlier than others. It begins to bloom early, and the golden harvest will be ripe by the end of summer. The only drawback is that it begins to bear fruit late, 6-7 years after planting. The fruits are juicy, soft, round in shape and have a sweeter taste, unlike Antonovka vulgaris.

Apple variety Antonovka golden

It tolerates frost well and is resistant to scab. The fruits of the china are yellow in color and taste reminiscent of Antonovka vulgare. Harvesting occurs at the end of October, and storage is possible for up to two months.

Fruits of the Antonovka-Chinese apple variety

Another name for this variety is Snezhok. The fruits of the Daughter when ripe have a whitish skin with white juicy pulp and a tart aroma, more pronounced than that of common Antonovka. Trees of this species grow large and spreading, bearing fruit in 6-7 years. Ripening occurs in early September. After ripening, the apples do not fall off due to their tight retention on the stalk, which is an advantage of this variety. It is worth considering that the skin of the variety is very thin, and therefore requires careful handling during harvesting and other manipulations.

The ripe fruits of the apple variety Daughter Antonovka have a whitish skin.

Fruiting of trees begins 7-8 years after planting. When ripe by the end of September, the fruits continue to firmly adhere to the branches. They have a sweet and sour taste, yellow peels and the characteristic aroma of Antonovka. The variety is well resistant to frost, but is more susceptible to scab. Shelf life depends on climate and growing conditions.

Apples of the Novaya Antonovka variety

On dwarf rootstock 62396

This is a variety of Antonovka vulgaris, the trees of which were grown in special nurseries on weak-growing dwarf rootstocks (cuttings). Such trees have a smaller crown and do not exceed 2.5 m in height. An obvious advantage is the early onset of fruiting (2-3 years) and larger fruits.

Apples of the Antonovka variety on a dwarf rootstock

It differs from ordinary Antonovka in its high sugar content, so it is completely unsuitable for storage.

Apple fruits of the Antonovka sweet variety are unsuitable for long-term storage

A vigorous tree, resistant to frost, scab and fruit rot. Gives high yields. Has the fruits of the right round shape and tolerates long-term storage well. Ripening occurs at the end of October.

The fruits of apples of the Antonovka-Kamenichka variety have a regular round shape

Another name for the variety is Antonovka one and a half pound. tree with large fruits, the weight of which reaches 600 g. The pound is resistant to winter cold and diseases. It begins to bear fruit at the same time as the ordinary Antonovka - after 6-8 years. The fruits ripen at the beginning of September.

Fruits of apples of the Antonovka pound variety large size, their weight reaches 600 g

Other varieties

It got its name due to the crossing of the common Antonovka and the White filling. This variety has powerful tree trunks, brings good harvest, but, unlike the ordinary Antonovka, it tolerates winter worse. The fruits have a sour taste and are poorly stored, but they look very presentable.

Apples of the White Antonovka variety

The variety has a yellow color and an oblong fruit shape. Trees of this variety are resistant to winter and are distinguished by early flowering. The fruits ripen in mid-August and begin to fall heavily as they grow large.

Variety Golden Monk

It has this name because on the surface of the fruit you can see a color resembling rust. The variety of these apples is of no interest to either gardeners or buyers. But, despite their unremarkable appearance, the fruits can be stored for a long time due to the density of their pulp. In addition, they are less susceptible to scab and rot than other species.

The surface of the Rzhavaya Antonovka apple variety resembles rust

Antonovka is a widespread and popular variety that is loved both by consumers for its unsurpassed taste and by gardeners who value it for its dozens of selectively bred, but no less tasty and aromatic varieties. Despite the declared unpretentiousness, it is worth considering that, like other crops, Antonovka apple tree varieties require mandatory compliance with the rules for planting and further care for trees not only during the growth process, but also after the start of fruiting.