Natyra is the organic brand name for the SQ 159 variety, which had its start in Germany in 2010. This scab-resistant variety can be grown free of residues, which is a major advantage for the organic sector. “Its sweet-sour flavour and shelf life are remarkable,” says Stephan Geerlings from fruit improver Fresh Forward.
“The project surrounding the red-coloured apple was started because people were looking for a good storage apple for the second half of the season. That doesn’t mean Natyra isn’t good outside of this period, but the apple has a strong position compared to other apples from February to August.”
By now, 360,000 trees have been planted on an area of 130 hectares in Germany. In the Netherlands, organic growers have 10 hectares of Natyra. Additionally, 20 hectares have been planted in Italy, 10 hectares in Austria, 6 hectares in Belgium in 9 hectares in other producing European countries, including France. Gerard also mentions conventional growers who are thinking of switching are showing an interest in the apple.
“Natyra isn’t a club variety. The apple can be freely marketed by every party. However, we do expect a large share of the yield to remain in our own country. Natyra as a brand apple is only available organically, and is focused mainly on organic consumers. In the Netherlands, the sales of the apples are taken care of by Vogelaar Vredehof, Nautilus Organic and Naturelle, among others.
'That the organic segment is growing, is for the good of the continued development of the new variety', according to him. Although expectations differ per country, Stephan says he’d be satisfied if cultivation could grow to 50 hectares in the Netherlands in coming years. “That’s what we now want to work towards, but it’s definitely not our final number.”
Natyra Days
The first Natyra apple day took place at Proeftuin Randwijk in late August. More than 70 apple growers, arboriculturists, cultivation specialists and other interested parties came together to exchange knowledge and experiences, and to see and try the apple. On 4 and 5 October, tours were organised as well at the Natyra plots of Tim Moerman in Oostkappelle and at Proeftuin Randwijk.
“People noticed Natyra’s shelf life in particular. By also letting them try the Natyra harvested in 2016, people could find out for themselves that the apple’s crunchiness and sweet flavour are retained.”
As of the end of September, Stephan said he was positive about the new season and that many growers believe they’ll have a good harvest this year.
“The first Natyras are harvested mid-October. Because the variety has a late blossoming period, Natyra wasn’t much affected by night frost in spring, unlike many other apples and pears. Expectations are therefore promising.”
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Stephan Geerlings
Fresh Forward