Juicy, refreshing flesh, a tasty flavour and good keeping qualities are the hallmarks of the Schweizer Orangenapfel. Seventy years after the introduction of this orange pippin-style apple, it has been named Swiss Fruit Variety of the Year 2025.
Introduced in 1954, the Schweizer Orangenapfel was Switzerland’s first classically bred apple. The new variety is a product of the breeding programme at the former Swiss-German Experimental Station for Fruit Production, Viticulture and Horticulture in Wädenswil – now Agroscope.
Success abroad, but not in Switzerland
The juicy, tart and tasty flesh of the Schweizer Orangenapfel is very refreshing on the palate. In addition, it has good storage qualities and is also suitable for cooking as it does not fall apart. However, despite its low susceptibility to fungal diseases, when it comes to growing this variety, it has a downside that has seen it virtually disappear from the Swiss market. The tree blooms only in positions it finds favourable. Furthermore, harvests are erratic, and if too many fruits ripen, the quality suffers. The Schweizer Orangenapfel has managed to survive only in Alsace Lorraine (France) and some Eastern European countries. Here in Switzerland, it still has its devotees and can occasionally be found at markets and in farm shops.
Important characteristics for modern breeding
Nonetheless, the Schweizer Orangenapfel has value in Switzerland: its taste and storage qualities have made it an important genetic resource for further breeding. Apple varieties resulting from more recent crossings at Agroscope include: Milwa (Diwa®), CH101 (Galiwa®), Ladina, Mariella, Rustica, Ior, to name a few.
FRUCTUS, the Swiss Association for the Protection of Fruit Heritage, has named the Schweizer Orangenapfel – seventy years after its introduction –Swiss Fruit Variety of the Year 2025.
