In the Ortenau district, it remains hot and dry with daytime temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. Despite the heat, the stone fruit harvest has been successful so far, according to Matthias Kiefer of the fruit-growing business of the same name in Ortenberg. "We started harvesting our figs at the end of June, but we have only been able to offer larger quantities since week 29. In addition to our successful direct marketing, we have also delivered figs to the Hamburg wholesale market on a trial basis this year," says the cultivation pioneer, who has been growing figs for a decade.
The tropical fruits are grown outdoors and on a wire so that they dry quickly in case of rain. Kiefer: "Unlike our colleagues in southern countries, we cannot harvest our figs when they are so firm, which is why they usually only keep for two to three days. This is probably due to our microclimate. Since our figs find their way to consumers relatively quickly through farm sales, this actually works quite well in practice."
© Kiefer Obstwelt
Matthias Kiefer grows figs on around 0.3 hectares, including a trial plantation with around 20 varieties. The Brown Turkey (pictured) is considered the main variety.
Thanks to their positive characteristics and attractive prices, Kiefer is convinced of the future potential of German figs. "We can grow figs with virtually no pesticides. Compared to berries, the yield of figs is enormous. The fruit has also established itself well in the market. As I am the only supplier in the wider area, we are in control of the prices. The current price is EUR 4.80/250g tray in direct sales, which is roughly the same as last year."
© Kiefer Obstwelt
The apricots from the Kiefer farm are also marketed through a selected trading partner at the Hamburg wholesale market. The range includes the Lido and Memphis varieties (left in the picture).
While the fig harvest is just getting into full swing, the apricot season is already coming to an end. "It was a season with ups and downs. Not only we, but also most of our colleagues had a fairly abundant harvest. As the total cultivation capacity in Germany is still quite marginal, hardly any retail programs were agreed upon. In practice, however, this meant that very large quantities, including second-grade fruit, had to be marketed almost exclusively through wholesale markets, which in turn had a corresponding impact on prices, especially in the first half of July. Fortunately, this affected us less, as we started the apricot harvest at the beginning of June and will finish our harvest in week 30." In addition to figs and apricots, Kiefer also grows peaches and nectarines on approximately 1.5 hectares.
© Kiefer Obstwelt
In addition to stone fruit and berries, the family business also grows top fruit. With the harvest of the early variety Delbarestivale starting in week 30, this year's apple season is already upon us. "As with most other crops, we are starting the new harvest a few days later than usual this year. As far as I know, the regional warehouses are almost empty, so we are expecting a good early apple market."
© Kiefer Obstwelt
Early apples of the Piros variety are already being harvested, followed by Delbarestivale in week 30.
For more information:
Matthias Kiefer
Kiefer Obstwelt GmbH
Allmendgrün 20
77799 Ortenberg
Tel: +49 1578 4542423
[email protected]
https://www.kiefer-obstwelt.de/
