Rich fruit harvest 2025: Hofgeismar trees are full of fruit!

Rich fruit harvest 2025: Hofgeismar trees are full of fruit!

In the Hofgeismar district, the fruit trees are currently full of fruit. This promises an excellent harvest because the first summer apples are already ripe. Hans-Jürgen Schwabe, chairman of the Hofgeismar Nature Conservation Association, is particularly optimistic and expects a rich harvest due to the mild weather and the lack of late frosts in spring. Good yields of apples, pears and plums can also be expected in late summer and autumn Hessische/Niedersächsische Allgemeine reports.

Despite these positive prospects, interest in harvesting municipal fruit stocks remains low. The Kassel landscape conservation association, which takes care of the care of orchards, has noticed a decline in interest in these valuable areas. Schwabe also criticizes the lack of care for the fruit trees, which are urgently needed for their preservation. The condition of many orchards is alarming, as the tree density and care are often not sufficient to maintain the stands.

The importance of orchards

Orchards are not only an important part of Hessian culture, but also an important ecological habitat. As the Wikipedia describes, these traditional fruit tree shapes offer habitats for a diverse fauna and protect the soil from erosion. Its importance was highlighted again in 2021 by its entry in the nationwide register of intangible cultural heritage. These meadows are not only common in the region, but also in other parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. They require special care, especially regular pruning, to maintain their vitality.

However, a meadow orchard is also a place of challenges. The decline in populations since the 1920s is alarming, and many of these areas are at risk from agricultural intensification and urbanization. The tree density in these meadows is usually between 60 and 120 trees per hectare - a number that is no longer achieved in many regions. Despite these risks, some local initiatives manage to promote the marketing of orchard products and support the preservation of these valuable cultural landscapes.

The time of harvest and ripening

When it comes to harvest planning, there are a few points to consider. An apple is ready to pick when it can be easily removed from the tree. However, it is important to know that not every fallen fruit is ripe. Red colored apples can sometimes be inedible. It is therefore advisable to check the ripeness of the fruit by cutting it. A distinction is made between ripeness for picking and ripeness for enjoyment. The varieties that ripen later tend to have a longer shelf life, which is important for storage. Good varieties such as Boskoop, Berlepsch and Cox Orange are particularly recommended here.

Overall, it can be seen that the Hessian fruit trees are bearing good fruit this year, but the responsibility for caring for the orchards should not be forgotten. The balance between conservation and use is crucial for diverse land use and the protection of biodiversity. Especially in times of climate change, it is even more important to preserve and promote these valuable habitats.