Overview of Russian Apple Varieties

2.1. Russian Scientific Centers—Originators

According to the State Register, the main originators (holders and creators of varieties) are large state scientific institutions subordinate to the Russian Academy of Sciences. Here are some of them:

• Federal Scientific Center named after I.V. Michurin (Michurinsk, Tambov Oblast). This is perhaps the most famous breeding center in Russia, the heir to the work of the great Ivan Vladimirovich Michurin. It specializes in creating varieties for the middle belt and the Central Black Earth Region. Popular varieties such as Bogatyr, Vishnevaya, Zvezdochka, Pamyat Michurina, and many others were bred here. Varieties of Michurin's breeding often feature high yields and good fruit quality.
• All-Russian Research Institute for Fruit Crop Breeding (Orel). This institute made a huge contribution to creating apple varieties immune to scab. Thanks to their work, gardeners can harvest without using repeated fungicide treatments. Prominent representatives include Orlik, Orlovskoye Polosatoye, Bolotovskoye, Veniaminovskoye, Kandil Orlovsky, which have proven themselves well in the Central and Central Black Earth regions. The Orlovim variety was one of the first immune varieties included in the register.
• North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center for Horticulture, Viticulture, and Winemaking (Krasnodar). The leading center for southern horticulture. Here, they breed varieties adapted to hot climates, moisture deficiency, and specific diseases of the southern regions. Their "stars" include Prikubanskoye, Kuban Spur, Delishes Spur, Renet Kubansky, and they are also actively involved in zoning and supporting foreign varieties such as Golden Delicious and Idared.
• Federal Altai Scientific Center for Agrobiotechnologies (Barnaul). This center is the primary "forge" of winter-hardy varieties for the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East. Varieties of Altai breeding, such as Gornoaltayskoye, Altayskoye Bagryanoye, Altayskoye Krapchatoye, Zavetnoye, result from crossing cultivated varieties with the Siberian crab apple (ranetka), which gives them phenomenal frost resistance.
• Ural Federal Agrarian Research Center (Yekaterinburg). Here, in the harsh continental climate, they create varieties for the Ural and Volga-Vyatka regions. Their distinguishing feature is high winter hardiness and suitability for intensive orchards. Known varieties include Serebryanoye Kopytce, Uralets, Isetskoye Pozdneye, Persiyanka. Many have dwarf or semi-dwarf forms.
• Khabarovsk Federal Research Center (Khabarovsk). The institute is the main originator of varieties for the Far Eastern region. Their varieties, such as Aborigen, Avangard, Avgustovskoye Dalnevostochnoye, are created for cultivation in a monsoon climate with high snow cover and possible winter thaws. The main qualities of these varieties are high winter hardiness and resistance to moniliosis.
• Nikitsky Botanical Garden—National Scientific Center (Yalta, Crimea). The oldest scientific institution specializing in varieties for Crimea and the south of Russia. Their varieties, such as Avrora Krymskaya, Alye Parusa, Bakalavskoye, Kimmeria, are distinguished by excellent dessert qualities, heat resistance, and drought tolerance.

2.2. Foreign Originators and Their Contribution

The State Register includes not only domestic but also foreign varieties that have performed well in Russian conditions. Their presence enriches genetic diversity and gives gardeners access to global breeding achievements. Foreign varieties are often created by private companies or universities.

Main foreign originators whose varieties are represented in the register:

• USA: This is the birthplace of many world "hits." The varieties Idared, Jonathan, Delicious, Spartan, Lobo, Golden Delicious were created in the USA and remain benchmarks for many categories. The register also features modern American varieties with complex disease resistance, for example, WA 38, developed at Washington State University. The University of Minnesota (Regents of the University of Minnesota) is the author of varieties Minnewevosh and Honeycrisp? (Note: The text mentions Миневвошта and Праздничное; likely refers to varieties like 'Minnewashta' or 'Honeycrisp'? Wait, Honeycrisp is from the University of Minnesota. The text says "Праздничное" which could be 'Frostbite' or another. Let's keep the original names for clarity but translate the description.) ...distinguished by high dessert qualities and disease resistance.
• Canada: Canadian breeders are known for their winter-hardy and early-bearing varieties. The most famous example is, of course, Melba (developed at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa). This variety became the "progenitor" of many Russian varieties. Varieties Lobo and Mantet also came from Canada.
• Italy: Italian companies, such as C.I.V. - Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti, are world leaders in creating high-quality clones and varieties for intensive horticulture. Their varieties, for example, Gaia, Gemini, Renoir Civ, Fujion, CIVG 198, are distinguished by excellent appearance, great taste, high yield, and regular fruiting. These varieties are intended for the southern regions of Russia.
• Belarus: Varieties from the Institute of Fruit Growing, such as Alesya, Antey, Belorusskoye Sladkoye, Imant, Charavnitsa, are very popular in the Central and Northwestern regions of Russia. Belarusian varieties are famous for their high winter hardiness and excellent taste.
• Other Countries: The register also includes varieties from Ukraine (Gala, Slava Pobeditelyam), Poland (Ligol, Champion Reno), the Netherlands (Elstar), and other countries, indicating wide integration and exchange of genetic resources in global horticulture.

Knowing the originators is not just a tribute to the scientists but also a practical hint for the gardener: when choosing a variety, pay attention to which region and with what tasks it was created. The next step is to understand the system of characteristics by which these varieties are evaluated in the State Register.

3.1. Consumption Period (Ripening)

This is one of the first characteristics people pay attention to. It determines when you will harvest and how long the fruit will keep. Based on this attribute, varieties are divided into several groups:

• Summer: Fruits ripen in July – early August. They are generally the most delicious and aromatic but keep for a very short time—from a few days to 2–3 weeks. Their main purpose is fresh consumption. Examples: Melba, Grushovka Moskovskaya, Papier? (Note: 'Papier' is likely 'Papier'). Wait, text says Papirovka. Use Papier? Let's stick with Papier as a transliteration, but could also be 'Paper'? Actually, it's better to keep the Russian name Papir? The original says Папировка, commonly translated as Paper. Let's use Papier? The original had "Papier" in the English list? Actually in the top 30 they used "Папировка" which translates to "Paper". We'll keep the transliteration for variety names.
• Autumn: Ripen in late August – September. They keep longer than summer varieties, usually 1–3 months. Ideal for fresh consumption and processing. Examples: Osenniye Polosatoye (Autumn Striped), Uralets, Borvinka? (Боровинка - Borovinka).
• Winter (or Late Winter): These are the most valuable varieties for long-term storage. They are harvested in September – October and reach consumer maturity only after some time (sometimes 1–2 months). Under proper conditions, they can keep until spring and even until the next harvest (April–May). Examples: Antonovka, Idared, Bogatyr, Pepin Shafranny.

Practical Advice: For a family, it's best to plant varieties with different ripening periods. This way, you'll have fresh apples from mid-summer until spring.

3.2. Tree Vigor and Canopy Type

This determines the dimensions of your apple tree, which is important for garden planning and ease of maintenance. The register indicates:

• Vigor: vigorous, medium, low (or dwarf). Vigorous trees grow tall (up to 6–8 m or more), produce a lot of wood, but bear fruit later. Low-vigour (dwarf and semi-dwarf) are compact, start fruiting earlier, and are easier to manage.
• Canopy shape: round, pyramidal, broad-pyramidal, spreading, weeping, flat, spindle-shaped, columnar. For small plots, it's better to choose compact forms (dwarfs with a spindle-shaped crown or columnar varieties). For classic orchards, vigorous trees with a round or spreading crown are suitable.
• Canopy density: dense, medium, sparse. Dense crowns require more careful pruning and shaping; sparse crowns are better lit by the sun and ventilated, reducing the risk of diseases.

3.3. Fruit Characteristics

This is the main reason for growing apple trees. The description always includes the following parameters:

• Fruit weight: Usually indicates average weight (in grams) and maximum. Weight can range from very small (10–50 g) to large (over 200–250 g). For a hobbyist, taste and yield are more important, but if apples are intended for sale, large fruit size is a significant factor.
• Shape: flat-round, round-conical, cylindrical, onion-shaped, etc. This helps visually identify the variety.
• Color: ground color (e.g., greenish-yellow) and over color (blush, stripes). This affects marketability.
• Flesh: described by color (white, cream, greenish), consistency (firm, loose, "pricking"?, tender, juicy, oily), and structure (fine-grained, coarse-grained). These traits greatly influence taste perception.
• Taste and Aroma: indicates acidity (sweet-sour, sweet, sourish) and aroma presence (strong, weak, medium, characteristic). Important: for winter varieties, the taste often improves during storage.
• Tasting Score: given in points (usually on a 5-point scale). This is an average score assigned by professional tasters. A score of 4.5 and above is considered very good.

3.4. Biological and Economic Properties

These characteristics determine how viable the variety is in your conditions and how it will bear fruit.

• Winter Hardiness / Frost Resistance: A very important indicator for most regions of Russia. The register often states "winter hardiness high," "medium," "above average," or "relatively winter-hardy." This is a subjective but practically tested comparison with control varieties.
• Drought Tolerance and Heat Resistance: Critical for southern regions. Indicated similarly.
• Resistance to Diseases and Pests: Especially to scab, powdery mildew, and moniliosis (fruit rot). There are varieties that are "immune" to scab (possess the Vf gene)—meaning they are not affected by it at all, significantly simplifying care. Examples: Imrus, Bolotovskoye, Solnyshko.
• Yield: Indicated in centners per hectare (c/ha), but for a hobbyist, this is a conditional indicator. More important is regularity of fruiting—sometimes yield is high but periodic (i.e., abundant harvest alternates with a poor one). Many modern varieties have regular fruiting.
• Early Bearing: The speed of entering fruiting. Varieties that bear fruit in the 3rd–4th year are considered early-bearing; those in the 6th–8th are late-bearing.
• Self-fertility / Self-sterility: The ability to set fruit from pollination with its own pollen. Most varieties are self-sterile, so pollinator varieties need to be planted nearby for a harvest. This is an important nuance often overlooked.

3.5. Purpose (Use)

Although not always explicitly highlighted in the register, from the description, you can understand what the variety is best for:

• Dessert / Table: For fresh consumption. Possess the best taste and aroma.
• Universal: Suitable for fresh consumption and processing (juices, jams, drying).
• Technical: Intended mainly for processing (cider, juices, wine).

Understanding these parameters makes you a conscious chooser rather than a passive buyer. Now, looking at a variety's description, you can assess how well it matches your climate, goals, and maintenance capabilities.

Next, we will apply this knowledge in practice—compiling a rating of the most popular varieties and analyzing them by key characteristics.

4.1. Popular Varieties Not Included in the State Register

As can be seen from the table, some popular varieties are absent from the current State Register. This does not make them worse or unsuitable for growing—many have been tested for decades in gardening practice. Here's what's important to know about each:

Medunitsa (author S.I. Isaev). This variety was awarded the Stalin Prize, which speaks to its outstanding qualities. It is valued for its extraordinary honey aroma, which manifests even in unfavorable years. High winter hardiness makes it suitable for cultivation in many regions. However, for unknown reasons, it has not undergone official registration in Russia.

Konfetnoye. Another "folk" variety, searched almost 5,000 times a month. Its main advantage is its very sweet, candy-like fruits, which ripen among the first. Its absence from the register does not prevent it from being a welcome guest in private gardens.

Pobeditel. A variety with this name does not appear in the State Register or other available data sources. It is likely either a local folk name for some well-known variety or the result of confusion in names, for example, with the variety Slava Pobeditelyam.

Malinovka (Suyslepskoye). An ancient variety of folk selection, known since the 19th century. It produces fruits of a beautiful raspberry color, for which it received its name. Currently, it has no industrial significance but continues to be grown by hobby gardeners for its unique taste and aroma.

Medovoye. Judging by the information, this is another old folk selection variety. It was likely distributed by enthusiast gardeners and did not come to the attention of state testing institutions.

Mechta. This variety was officially included in the State Register of the Republic of Belarus in 2005, indicating its recognition in the neighboring country. In Russia, however, it has not been registered. This is a good example of varieties that may be zoned in other countries but lack official status in the Russian Federation.

4.2. Varieties Excluded from the State Register

There is another category of varieties. They were once officially registered but, over time, lost their industrial significance and were excluded. However, they may remain interesting to hobby gardeners.

Korobovka (Medunichka, Skorospelka). This is an ancient Russian variety included in the State Register in 1965. It was excluded due to its small fruit size—the apples weigh only 30–40 grams. However, this very small size and high winter hardiness make it ideal for harsh climatic conditions. Today, it remains more of a collector's variety for connoisseurs.

Important Conclusions from the Top 30 and Review of "Non-register" Varieties

1. Folk and Official Names. We see that many varieties are searched for by their old, familiar names. For example, the famous Shtrifel appears in the State Register as Osenniye Polosatoye, and the variety Slava Pobeditelyam is officially Slava Pobeditelyam (note: actually it's translated as "Glory to the Winners", but the Russian name is kept). The variety Semerenko is officially called Renet Simirenko. It's important to know this to avoid confusion when buying saplings.

2. Absence from the Register is Not a Verdict. Varieties like Medunitsa or Konfetnoye lack official status, but their popularity speaks for itself. They have stood the test of time and gardeners. This is valuable genetic material that remains in demand on household plots.

3. Orel Varieties. Varieties bred by VNIISPK (Orel) are highly respected. Their total search queries exceed 1,500 per month. The most famous: Sinap Orlovsky, Orlik, Kandil Orlovsky, Yablochny Spas, Orlovskoye Polosatoye. The hallmark of the Orel school is the creation of scab-immune varieties and high fruit quality.

4. Trends. The top list includes both "veterans" of breeding (Antonovka, Grushovka, Anis) and modern world hits (Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji), indicating a reasonable conservatism and, at the same time, openness of gardeners to new things.

This popularity map clearly shows that people are primarily looking for what has been tested by time and possesses outstanding taste qualities or winter hardiness. In the next chapter, we will systematize this information and provide an overview of varieties by key characteristics to make it easier for you to choose.

5.1. Ripening Periods (Summer, Autumn, Winter)

The ripening period is one of the main selection criteria. It determines when you will taste the first harvest, how long the apples will be stored, and for what purposes they are best suited.

5.2. Taste (Sweet, Sweet-Sour, Sour)

Taste is perhaps the most subjective but also the most important parameter. However, even here, there are objective patterns that will help you navigate.

5.3. Color (Skin and Flesh Color)

The color of an apple is its "calling card." From the coloring, you can guess not only the variety but also, to some extent, its taste qualities and purpose. The State Register always indicates the ground color (background) and the over color (blush, stripes).

5.4. Fruit Size and Shape

The size of the apple determines how convenient it is to eat and how it looks on the counter. The shape affects the marketable appearance and can serve as an indirect sign of the variety.

5.5. Flesh Texture and Density

The taste of an apple is not only sweetness and acidity but also how it "behaves" in the mouth. Some varieties delight with juicy crunch, others with tender, melting flesh, and others may seem loose and mealy. Texture is directly related to the ripening period and keeping quality.

Soft, Tender, Loose (often summer varieties)

Such apples are distinguished by juiciness and subtle aroma, but they keep poorly and quickly overripe, becoming mealy. They are eaten fresh immediately after harvest.

• Papier and Naliv Belyi — their flesh is described as loose, tender, very juicy. It literally melts in the mouth, but already a few days after harvest, it becomes mealy.
• Grushovka Moskovskaya — the flesh is loose, juicy, aromatic, but when overripe, it becomes dry and mealy.
• Melba — at optimal ripeness, the flesh is tender, juicy, fine-grained. However, during long storage or overripening, it also becomes loose.

Firm, Crisp, "Pricking" (autumn and winter varieties)

This is the most sought-after texture. Such apples are juicy, elastic, and emit a characteristic crunch when bitten. They keep well and do not lose their shape during processing. In the descriptions of the State Register, the term "pricking" is often found—this is the very crunch.

• Idared — the flesh is firm, pricking, very juicy. This is one of the standards of crisp texture among winter varieties.
• Golden Delicious — the flesh is firm, juicy, during storage it becomes oily but retains elasticity. Despite the density, it is tender.
• Honeycrisp — its name translates as "honey crisp." The flesh is very firm, pricking, exceptionally juicy. This is one of the crunchiest varieties in the world.
• Spartan — the flesh is white, firm, pricking, juicy. Characterized by good crunch even after long storage.
• Renet Simirenko — the flesh is firm, pricking, very juicy. During storage, it becomes oily, but the crunch is preserved.
• Orlik — the flesh is firm, pricking, fine-grained, juicy, with a strong aroma. An excellent example of a firm but not "stony" texture.
• Lobo — the flesh is white, firm, pricking, juicy. A very pleasant texture.
• Fuji — the flesh is very firm, crispy, juicy, with a high sugar content. The crunch is preserved throughout the entire storage period.

Semi-Oily and Oily

This is a rare but gourmet-appreciated texture. The apple seems tender, "melting," with an oily feeling on the lips. Such flesh is often found in southern varieties and some winter ones.

• Aport Ass — the flesh is white, very tender, semi-oily, very juicy. This is one of the main advantages of the variety.
• Pepin Shafranny — the flesh is creamy-yellow, medium density, juicy, tender, oily to the touch.
• Renet Simirenko — during storage, the flesh becomes oily, which gives it additional tenderness.

Practical Advice: If you want to enjoy crispy apples all winter, choose varieties with "pricking" flesh. For summer desserts and baby food, soft, tender varieties are ideal. For gourmets, it is worth looking for semi-oily options.

5.6. Tree Vigor and Canopy Shape

This parameter is critically important when planting an orchard. It determines how much space the tree will need, how convenient it will be to care for it, when it will start bearing fruit, and how long it will live. The State Register always indicates the vigor (vigorous, medium, low) and the type of crown, which allows you to choose the correct planting scheme.

5.7. Resistance to Adverse Factors, Diseases, and Pests

This section is critical for gardeners, especially in regions with a harsh climate or unfavorable phytosanitary conditions. The State Register always indicates winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and resistance to major diseases. Understanding these parameters allows you to choose a variety that will require minimal intervention and provide stable yields.

6.1. Newcomers to the State Register (last 5 years)

These varieties have been included in the register relatively recently, and their potential is yet to be assessed by gardeners. Many of them are created using the latest genetic technologies and possess complex disease resistance.

Agidel (included in 2022)

• Region: Ural (9).
• Ripening period: Late autumn (winter).
• Key features: A winter variety of Ufa breeding. Distinguished by high yield (164.6 c/ha) and excellent taste (tasting score 4.4). Fruits of medium weight (112 g), flattened, with a strong tan and dark red stripes. The flesh is greenish, firm, pricking, juicy. The taste is sweet-sour with spiciness. Resistant to scab and codling moth. Winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and heat resistance are medium.
• Why it's worth attention: This is one of the few new winter varieties for the Urals with high marketable qualities and resistance to major diseases.

Blagodatnoye Koltso (included in 2024)

• Region: Central Black Earth (5).
• Ripening period: Early winter.
• Key features: A columnar variety! This is a rarity among new inclusions. The fruits are large (170 g), flattened, with an orange-red tan. The flesh is white, firm, pricking, very juicy. The taste is sweet-sour (score 4.5). Winter hardiness is high (withstands down to -37 °C). Yield is 149.6 c/ha. Resistant to scab.
• Why it's worth attention: For owners of small plots, this is an ideal option—a compact tree, large, tasty fruits, and high winter hardiness. A rare combination for a columnar form.

Krymskaya Osen (included in 2023)

• Region: North Caucasian (6).
• Ripening period: Autumn.
• Key features: A variety from the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. The fruits are large (152 g), conical, golden-yellow with a red tan. The flesh is creamy, medium density, tender, juicy. The taste is sourish-sweet (score 4.7). Resistant to scab and powdery mildew. Winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and heat resistance are medium.
• Why it's worth attention: An excellent dessert variety for the south with high marketable qualities and resistance to major diseases.

Krymskoye Zolotistoye (included in 2024)

• Region: North Caucasian (6).
• Ripening period: Early winter.
• Key features: The fruits are large (188 g), spherical, golden-yellow with a slight pinkish-red tan. The flesh is yellowish, firm, splitting, juicy. The taste is sweet-sour (score 4.6). Resistant to scab. Winter hardiness down to -26 °C.
• Why it's worth attention: Very beautiful, large, yellow fruits are a rarity for southern varieties. Excellent winter hardiness for Crimea and the North Caucasus.

Original (included in 2023)

• Region: Middle Volga (7).
• Ripening period: Late winter.
• Key features: A variety of Samara breeding. The fruits are medium (140 g), conical, light yellow with a purple tan. The flesh is greenish, medium density, juicy. The taste is sourish-sweet with spiciness (score 4.3). Yield is 18.7 c/ha (possibly a typo, meaning 187 c/ha). Resistant to scab and codling moth. Winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and heat resistance are high.
• Why it's worth attention: High winter hardiness and pest resistance make this variety promising for the Middle Volga region.

Rozochka (included in 2023)

• Region: Volga-Vyatka (4).
• Ripening period: Late summer.
• Key features: The fruits are medium (75 g), round, greenish-yellow with a red tan. The flesh is creamy, firm, pricking, very juicy. The taste is sourish-sweet (score 4.3). Yield is 129 c/ha. Resistant to scab and powdery mildew.
• Why it's worth attention: A good variety for the harsh conditions of the Volga-Vyatka region with excellent disease resistance and regular fruiting.

Skifiya (included in 2023)

• Region: North Caucasian (6).
• Ripening period: Winter.
• Key features: The fruits are very large (200 g), elongated-conical, light yellow with a pinkish-red tan. The flesh is creamy, medium density, tender, juicy. The taste is sourish-sweet (score 4.8). Yield is 213.9 c/ha. Resistant to scab and powdery mildew. Winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and heat resistance are high.
• Why it's worth attention: Very large, beautiful fruits with excellent taste—an ideal variety for a southern intensive orchard.

Varieties Undeservedly in the Shadows

These varieties did not make it into the top 30 by query frequency, but their characteristics suggest they can be an excellent choice for specific conditions or purposes. Some of them are old, proven varieties that have given way to more "promoted" newcomers.

Geneva Early

• Region: Central Black Earth (5), North Caucasian (6), Lower Volga (8).
• Ripening period: Early summer.
• Key features: This is an American variety that ranks 15th in search queries. However, it is significantly less popular than Melba or Grushovka, although it has a number of advantages. Early-bearing, enters fruiting in the 3rd–4th year. The fruits are medium (90 g), flat-round, with a brownish-red blush. The flesh is creamy, medium density, tender, semi-oily. The taste is sweet-sour with spiciness (score 4.1). Yield is 152.3 c/ha. Resistant to scab. Winter-hardy, drought tolerance is high.
• Why in the shadows: Melba is more famous and promoted, although Geneva Early surpasses it in early bearing and scab resistance. An excellent choice for those who want an early harvest with minimal protection costs.

Orlinka

• Region: Central Black Earth (5).
• Ripening period: Summer.
• Key features: A VNIISPK variety. The tree is tall, with a dense rounded crown. The fruits are large (150 g), round, with a carmine blush covering most of the fruit. The flesh is creamy, firm, pricking, juicy. The taste is sweet-sour (score 4.3). Yield is 150 c/ha.
• Why in the shadows: Melba and other summer varieties are more well-known. Orlinka is an excellent large-fruited summer variety with good keeping quality for its period (up to 2 months). It is denser and keeps better than the classic Melba.

Pamyat Kedrina

• Region: Middle Volga (7).
• Ripening period: Late autumn.
• Key features: A variety of Samara breeding. The fruits are medium (140 g), flattened-spherical, with a dark red blush. The flesh is whitish-greenish, very tender, fine-grained, juicy. The taste is sweet-sour with spiciness (score 4.3). Yield is 116.2 c/ha. Resistant to scab. Winter-hardy, drought tolerance is high.
• Why in the shadows: This variety deserves more attention due to its exceptional tenderness of flesh and spicy taste. It could be an excellent alternative to Zhigulevskoye.

Pamyat Korosheva

• Region: Middle Volga (7).
• Ripening period: Late winter.
• Key features: The fruits are large (160 g), conical, golden-yellow with a brownish-red tan. The flesh is creamy, medium density, tender, juicy. The taste is sourish-sweet with spiciness (score 4.8). Yield is 18.3 c/ha (possibly a typo—183 c/ha). Resistant to scab and codling moth. Winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and heat resistance are high.
• Why in the shadows: A high tasting score (4.8) and excellent keeping quality make this variety very promising for long-term storage, but it is little known outside the Samara region.

Khrustalny Bashmachok (included in 2022)

• Region: Ural (9).
• Ripening period: Late autumn.
• Key features: A variety with a very unusual name. The fruits are medium (152 g), conical, greenish-yellow with an orange tan. The flesh is creamy, firm, fibrous, tender, juicy. The taste is sweet-sour (score 4.4). Yield is 148.7 c/ha. Resistant to scab. Winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and heat resistance are medium.
• Why in the shadows: This is a new variety that has not yet gained popularity but is already showing good results in the Urals. An interesting combination of sweet-sour taste and tender flesh.

Osenniaya Susova

• Region: Central (3).
• Ripening period: Autumn.
• Key features: The fruits are medium (103 g), elongated, greenish-yellow with a red striped blush. The flesh is white, juicy, firm. The taste is sweet-sour, very pleasant (score 4.5). Winter hardiness is higher than that of Osenniye Polosatoye. Yield is 87 c/ha.
• Why in the shadows: Osenniye Polosatoye is a "monster" of popularity, but this variety surpasses it in winter hardiness. An excellent choice for the harsher conditions of the middle belt.

Korobovka (Medunichka, Skorospelka) — excluded from the register, but worth attention

• Region: (Was included in the State Register in 1965, excluded due to small fruit size).
• Ripening period: Summer (early).
• Key features: This is an ancient Russian variety, known since the 19th century. The fruits are very small (30–40 g), with a honey-sweet taste and strong aroma. The tree is highly winter-hardy. Ideal for baby food and jam.
• Why in the shadows: Small fruit size is a "death sentence" for commercial horticulture, but for a hobbyist, it's a wonderful option. It gives sweet, aromatic apples when other varieties are only blooming. This is a true "delicacy" for the soul.

Practical Conclusion: When choosing a variety, do not limit yourself to the top 10. Newcomers to the State Register often have improved characteristics (immunity, yield, appearance). And "shadow" varieties may turn out to be exactly what you need for your specific plot—more winter-hardy, resistant to diseases, or with a unique taste you won't find in popular varieties. Study the State Register, try new things, and don't forget about the old!

7.1. For Long-Term Storage (Keeping Varieties)

This is one of the most sought-after categories. The main requirement here is the ability of the fruits to retain their taste and marketable qualities for a long time (until spring and even summer).

Key characteristics of keeping varieties:

• Late winter or winter ripening period.
• Firm, "pricking" flesh.
• Thick and durable skin.
• Resistance to storage diseases (bitter pit, rot).

Best varieties for storage:

Advice: For long-term storage, choose at least 2-3 different winter varieties. This way, you will hedge against the possibility of one keeping poorly in a given year and provide yourself with apples of different flavor shades all winter.

7.2. For Cider Making

Home cider production is becoming increasingly popular. It requires special varieties with a high content of sugars and tannins (astringency), giving a rich, deep flavor.

Key characteristics of varieties for cider:

• High sugar and acid content.
• Presence of tannins (astringency).
• Firm, juicy flesh.
• Late varieties are preferable as they accumulate more sugar.

Best varieties for cider:

Advice: The best cider comes from a blend of varieties. Use 2-3 base varieties (e.g., Antonovka + Osenniye Polosatoye) and add a small amount of aromatic or tart varieties (Korichnoye, Jonathan) for bouquet.

7.3. For Compotes

For compote, the ability of the fruits to retain their shape during cooking, to be aromatic, and to have a pleasant sourness that gives the drink a refreshing taste is important.

Key characteristics of varieties for compote:

• Firm flesh that does not fall apart.
• Balanced sweet-sour taste.
• Rich apple aroma.

Best varieties for compotes:

Advice: For compotes, it is better to use autumn varieties (they are denser) or winter ones that have already "ripened" and gained sugar.

7.4. For Jam and Preserves

For jam, varieties with high pectin content (for jelly) or, conversely, with tender flesh that cooks down easily (for jam) are good.

Key characteristics of varieties for jam:

• For slice jam: firm, non-boiling flesh.
• For jam and preserves: loose, easily boiling flesh.
• High sugar and pectin content.

Best varieties for jam and preserves:

Advice: For slice jam, choose varieties with firm, crisp flesh (Antonovka, Sinap, Renet). For jam, choose summer varieties with loose flesh (Papier, Naliv Belyi).

7.5. For Sharlotka and Baking

Sharlotka is the most popular pie, and for it, the ability of apples not to fall apart and to maintain a sweet-sour balance that offsets the sweet dough is important.

Key characteristics of varieties for sharlotka:

• Sweet-sour taste (so it's not cloying).
• Firm but not hard flesh.
• Moderate juiciness (so the pie doesn't become soggy).

Best varieties for sharlotka:

Advice: Avoid very juicy summer varieties (Melba, Papier) for baking—the pie may become soggy. It's best to use autumn and winter varieties, which have a denser structure.

7.6. For Drying

The query "apple varieties for drying" has 231 monthly searches. Dried apples are an excellent source of vitamins in winter. For drying, firm flesh that does not darken and holds its shape, as well as a good sugar content, is important.

Key characteristics of varieties for drying:

• Firm, crisp flesh (not loose!).
• Light flesh (does not darken in the air).
• Balanced sugar and acid content.

Best varieties for drying:

Advice: For drying, do not take early summer varieties—they are too loose and watery. Autumn and winter varieties with a firm structure are best.

7.7. Recommendations for Choosing a Variety Depending on Region and Location

We also analyzed regional queries (they were not included in your list, but we considered them indirectly) and can give general recommendations for different climatic zones.

For the North-West and regions with harsh winters (Northern, North-Western, Ural, West Siberian, East Siberian)

• Main thing: High winter hardiness and resistance to return frosts.
• Recommended varieties: Gornoaltayskoye, Uralets, Serebryanoye Kopytce, Laletino, Zhar-ptitsa, Chara, Baganenok, as well as old varieties: Grushovka Moskovskaya, Naliv Belyi, Anis Polosaty.
• Crown shape: Preferably choose medium-vigorous or dwarf forms on winter-hardy rootstocks to make it easier to cover the tree for the winter if necessary.

For the Middle Belt and Moscow region (Central, Volga-Vyatka, Central Black Earth regions)

• Main thing: Combination of winter hardiness, taste, and disease resistance.
• Recommended varieties: Antonovka, Osenniye Polosatoye, Melba, Bogatyr, Sinap Orlovsky, Orlik, Zhigulevskoye, Korichnoye Polosatoye, Slava Pobeditelyam.
• Scab-immune varieties: Bolotovskoye, Imrus, Solnyshko, Svezhest, Orlovim — an excellent choice for an eco-friendly orchard.

For southern regions (North Caucasian, Lower Volga)

• Main thing: Drought tolerance, heat resistance, disease resistance in a hot climate.
• Recommended varieties: Renet Simirenko, Idared, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Spartan, Jonathan. Also pay attention to Crimean-bred varieties: Avrora Krymskaya, Alye Parusa, Kimmeria, Krymskaya Osen.
• Crown shape: Spur or dwarf forms are especially relevant for the south—they tolerate heat better and produce earlier yields.

For small plots

• Main thing: Compactness, high early bearing.
• Recommended varieties: Columnar: Prezident, Valyuta, Dialog, Ostankino, Malyukha, Lukomor. Natural dwarfs: Brachud, Kovrovoye, Podsnegnik, Prizemlennoye, Sokolovskoye, Chudnoye.
• Advantages: Take up little space, enter fruiting early, convenient for maintenance.

7.8. Brief Summary Table of Recommendations by Purpose

Final Advice: Do not plant just one variety. It's better to plant an orchard with 3-5 different varieties with different ripening periods and different purposes. This way, you will be provided with fresh apples from July to May, as well as everything needed for home preserves for the winter. And remember: even the most ideal variety by description may not suit your specific plot due to micro-relief, soil, or microclimate features. So try, experiment, and share your experience with other gardeners!