Old fruit varieties in the Ansbach district: A project for the future!

Old fruit varieties in the Ansbach district: A project for the future!

Something wonderful is happening in the world of fruit in the picturesque Ansbach district. On October 31, 2025, the starting signal was given for the “Zukunft.Streuobst II” project, which aims to rehabilitate old apple and pear varieties that have so far been somewhat forgotten. Old varieties such as the summer blood pear, the Princess Marianne, Josef Musch and the globe apple are not only native, but also perfectly adapted to the region. Despite their qualities, they have received little attention in recent years.

The project is being implemented in close cooperation with the Middle Franconian Landscape Conservation Association. As part of the project, 29 forgotten varieties have already been secured and the first trees have been grown. A total of over 500 new trees are to be planted in the region to promote biological diversity. For this purpose, replacement funds are used that must be paid in the event of interventions in nature. A sustainable solution that will not only support flora, but also fauna in many places.

A first step towards revival

The start of the variety propagation took place in Petersaurach. District Administrator Dr. Jürgen Ludwig planted the first “Feuchtwanger winter pear” in the ground – a symbol of the revival of these valued fruit varieties. Mayor Herbert Albrecht called the place “an experimental field,” which not only serves as a planting site but has also been the location for fruit tree pruning campaigns. It is pleasing to see regional heritage being promoted through community initiatives.

But the project is not just limited to planting trees. In the first phase of “Zukunft.Streuobst” a lot of emphasis was placed on maintaining old orchards and training people in tree care. This not only brings the varieties back into the conversation, but also the knowledge about their cultivation and care.

Focus on regionality and originality

Another focus of the current project is the emphasis on regionality and originality. The time-honored varieties are not only part of the landscape, but also part of our cultural heritage. The “Feuchtwanger Winter Pear” will be available from the landscape conservation association and is intended to consolidate a place in raising awareness about local fruit varieties.

The return and maintenance of these ancient varieties help increase biodiversity in the region and appreciate the value of traditional fruit trees. It remains exciting to see how the fruit landscape in the Ansbach district will develop.

Meanwhile, in other parts of the world you can experiment with completely different delicacies, such as the Norwegian national dish Fårikål. A simple but tasty dish consisting of layers of meat and cabbage, served with potatoes if desired. Anyone who likes to cook might be surprised at the variety of dishes that can be prepared using regional ingredients.