Gloucester apple tree: characteristics and advantages of this variety
The Gloucester apple tree is a popular variety that can be grown in any climatic region. At their summer cottage, almost every gardener grows apple trees. Of the variety of fruit tree varieties, the Gloucester variety is especially popular. What is this variety?
Content:
Description of the variety
The Gloucester apple tree is classified as a winter variety. It was obtained by crossing two varieties by German breeders: Richard Delicious and Glockenapfel. The tree is a fast-growing species, the crown is pyramidal or highly oval. The branches extend from the trunk at an angle of about 45-60 degrees, with the ends pointing upward.
The pulp is light with a creamy tint, juicy, medium density. When ripe, the fruits acquire a sweet and sour taste. The skin of the fruit is thin and smooth, dark red with yellow dots. The fruits are large, round, the weight can reach 200 g. Harvesting takes place at the end of September. With open pollination, no more than 18% of juicy fruits are formed.
If pollinators are present, the value increases to 26%. The following may become pollinators: varieties: “Gala”, “Idared”, “Spartan”, “James-Grieve”, etc. The harvest can be stored for 4 months in a cool place. Gloucester apples survive transportation. This variety has good winter hardiness. "Gloucester" is resistant to powdery mildew and scab.It begins to bear fruit in the fourth year on a medium-sized rootstock.
Beneficial features
Gloucester apples contain a large amount of vitamins and beneficial microelements. The fruits contain the following microelements:
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Sodium
Gloucester apples are rich in ascorbic acid, which improves the immune system and protective functions of the body. Fiber, cellulose and pectin in apples helps cleanse the intestines of harmful substances and toxins, and also speeds up metabolism. In addition, apples contain a large amount of vitamins B, C, E, K. This variety has antioxidant properties, has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and normalizes blood pressure.
Features of growing an apple tree
For abundant fruiting, you need to create all the necessary conditions for the development of the apple tree. It is necessary to grow an apple tree on fertile soil. If the soil is acidic, then lime is used. Nitrogen must be present in the soil. This is an important trace element that promotes rapid growth, development and ripening of fruits. It is recommended to plant the tree in an open area, not too close to other trees.
Before planting a seedling, you need to remove all damaged roots, cover the wounds and straighten the rhizome. Planting is not carried out with the appearance of foliage and swelling of the buds. Immediately before planting, you need to dig a hole about 50-60 cm deep and about 50-70 cm in diameter. It is recommended to prepare the hole in the fall so that the ground does not freeze. When planting in spring, the bottom layer of soil may be frozen.
Next, carefully smooth out the roots and lower them into the hole. Then cover with soil, compact well and water. The digging area must be covered with branches.The seedling does not need fertilizer during the first year after landings. Fertilizing is carried out only from the second year using phosphorus-potassium and nitrogen fertilizers. After 5 years, humate and urea are added. You can fertilize in the spring before the buds swell or in the fall after harvesting.
To get a good harvest, it is important not only to plant correctly, but also to feed, water and care in a timely manner. In summer it is necessary to exterminate pests: caterpillars, weevils, etc. In addition, weeds should be removed periodically.
Use in cooking
Apples can be used fresh, baked, canned, or dried. From the fruits of the Gloucester variety you can make jam, preserves, or make juice or syrup. In cooking, apples are used in baking pies, pies and other flour dishes.
Common Recipes Using Apples
Apple jam. To make jam you will need a kilogram of apples, one orange, 700 g of sugar and 200 ml of water. The fruits are poured with cold water and kept for 20 minutes. Next, wipe and cut into slices along with the skin, periodically adding sugar. Wash the orange, squeeze out the juice and add to the slices.
Leave the apple slices in this form for 4 hours so that they release the juice. Next, take out the slices and add 200 ml of water to the syrup. After this, stir and put on the fire until it boils.
Then you can add the chopped apples and cook for another 15 minutes. Then leave the jam overnight, and the next day cook again until a thick mass is obtained. Apple jam. To make apple jam you need to take about 10 kg of apples and 8 kg of sugar.
Apples wash without peeling the skin, cut into slices and place in a large saucepan.Pour water into it halfway. After the water boils, cook for another 15-20 minutes. Then add sugar, stir and wait for it to boil. In this form, pour into jars and close the lid tightly. Store in a cool place once cooled.
Apple jam. For apple jam you need to take 1 kg of apples and sugar. Peel the apples and cut into cubes. Next, put it in a saucepan and add water. Put on fire, simmer a little, and then drain the water. Then rub the apples through a sieve, add sugar and put on fire, stirring regularly. Cook the jam for about 30-40 minutes. The resulting mass should be homogeneous and transparent. These are simple options for preparing winter preparations at home.
Video review of Gloucester apples
