Apple (Malus domestica) CREȚESC

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Crețesc'

Traditional Romanian winter variety "The Wrinkled" with long storage life.

'Crețesc' (or 'Crețesc Roșu de Prahova') is a rare old Romanian apple variety. It got its name ("The Wrinkled") from the characteristic feature of its skin, which slightly shrivels during storage. It is valued for its excellent storage life until March, refreshing tart taste, and early bearing onset.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Excellent long storage life (until March).
• Early bearing onset (from the 2nd year).
• Attractive, almost entirely red fruits.
• Refreshing, authentic tart taste.
• Good transportability.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania (traditional variety).
• Registration: 1968
• Synonyms: 'Crețesc Roșu de Prahova'
• Meaning of name: "The Wrinkled" (due to skin during storage).

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium to strong.
• Bearing: Very early onset (in the 2nd year after planting).

Fruit

• Size: Medium to large.
• Shape: Round, flattened.
• Skin: Base color yellow-green, almost completely covered with intense red.
• Flesh: White-green, loose, juicy.
• Taste: Tart, refreshing, with an authentic rustic tone (sometimes grassy note).
• Usage: Primarily for fresh consumption.

Resistance and Requirements

• Properties: Fruits tolerate transport well.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-sterile. Suitable pollinators: 'Jonagold', 'Fuji', 'Gala', 'Golden Delicious'.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Winter variety, end of October.
• Storage: Excellent (3 – 4 months, until March). The skin slightly shrivels during storage.