Europe’s Largest Orchard

Embedded in the centre of South Tyrol along the Etsch runs a 200 square kilometre parcel of cultivated land, which represents Europe’s largest combined orchard. Due to the climate, this area seems to have been intended for growing apples. A well-preserved natural environment, soil of rare quality, and 300 days of sunshine per year are a guarantee for superb tasting fruit, known not only in Merano and its environs, but also far and wide.

Knowledge

No other tradition in Merano and environs is as old as the tradition of the Orchard, which goes back to the ancients. Roman writers, like Plinius, mentioned the excellent quality of apples in the Roman founded Estates in the areas around Lana. With the opening of the train railway in 1867, it was finally possible to export larger quantities of fruit. Because of growing sales, the first fruit co-operative was founded in Algund in 1893. Since the 16th Century, the output of the orchard’s have been constantly expanding in the Adige Valley, but especially in the area between Merano and Lana which represents the centre of the apple industry.

The Museum in Lana called Suedtiroler Obstbaumuseum, is dedicated to the history of the orchard.

Juices and Vinegar

It is well known, that fruit is one of the most important components of healthy nutrition.
Traditional kinds of apples such as Weirouge that are organically cultivated, are excellent for drying. They taste best when picked fresh, are naturally dried and have no added sugars or acids. Naturally pressed apple juice that is either cloudy or filtered with no additives, and especially made out of traditional apples like Kalvill or Weirouge, have unequalled taste and leave the competition far behind.

Dried Fruit and Natural Cosmetics

The apple is also used as an essential ingredient for effective natural cosmetics. The pectin in the apple strengthens the bodies tissues, helps cellular re-genesis, keeps the skin elastic, soft and smooth.

Recipe

Here you can find the recipe for the traditional South Tyrolian „Apple strudel“

Below you can find a list of farms that offer all types of apple-based products: :
www.redrooster.it