New apple varieties to appear in Israel: taste and features

In Kibbutz El-Rom in the northern Golan Heights, several new apple varieties are being tested that could appear in Israeli orchards. The last new variety (Pink Lady) was introduced in the 1980s. Researchers are looking for varieties with excellent taste, crispy flesh, bright color, and the ability to be stored for a long time. Among the contenders are Australian Bravo, Crimson Crisp, American Sweet Tango, Alpi Gala, Zingy, and French Inogo and Inobi.

In Kibbutz El-Rom in the northern Golan Heights, new apple varieties are being tested that could appear in Israeli orchards in the coming years. The last new commercial variety — Pink Lady — was introduced in the 1980s. Researcher Eyal Yonai from the MIGAL center and members of the 'apple table' of the Plant Council are evaluating several candidates. The requirements are strict: excellent taste, crispy flesh, bright color under local conditions, disease resistance (powdery mildew, scab), and the ability to be stored in a refrigerator for weeks. Among the contenders are Australian Bravo, Crimson Crisp, American Sweet Tango, Alpi Gala, Zingy, as well as French Inogo and Inobi. The program is funded by the chief scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture. The introduction of new varieties may lead to the disappearance of some traditional ones, as happened with Jonathan.