The public can get a glimpse of almost lost fruit varieties when Tru-Cape opens its heritage orchard on the Oak Valley estate in Grabouw to visitors on 28 February. (Photo: Provided)
The public can get a glimpse of almost lost fruit varieties when Tru-Cape opens its heritage orchard on the Oak Valley estate in Grabouw to visitors.
Varieties such as Newton Apple, Northern Spy, Pomme de Neige and Cox Orange Pippin – which played an important role in the history of South Africa’s fruit industry – are preserved here as part of a collection that aims to preserve the genetics and stories of these cultivars for future generations.
The free guided tour takes place on Saturday 28 February from 10:00 to 12:00 and is presented by Henk Griessel, Tru-Cape’s quality assurance manager, as well as Buks Nel and Jeanne Fourie, experts on new varieties.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see and taste rare apple and pear varieties – including Newton Apple, White Wijnappel, Badappel, Kroonappel and Koo cultivars. Many of these varieties have disappeared from commercial production over the years.
According to Tru-Cape, the preservation of fruit heritage extends beyond the orchard itself. In collaboration with Hortgro, the historic Witte Wijnappel – the first apple recorded in the Cape – was replanted in 2019 in its original location in the Company Garden, as well as on Oak Valley and Babylonstoren.
Griessel and Nel, co-authors of publications on the early history of apples and pears in the Cape, will provide insights on the origin and development of these varieties during the tour, based on years of research and practical experience.
(Photo: Provided)
Nel, who is also known for his role in the development of new varieties such as BigBucks Gala (Flash Gala), says the preservation of historic cultivars is about more than nostalgia. “Understanding the past plays a crucial role in how we shape the future of fruit innovation,” he says.
Books on the history of apples and pears will be available for purchase during the event.
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and provide sun and weather protection. Facilities at the entrance to the Oak Valley estate must be used, and books and coffee will be available for purchase at the orchard.