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Best Austrian Stone Fruit Types
Nestled along the banks of the Danube River, the Wachau Valley is home to some of Austria's oldest wineries and distilleries, one of the most prominent tourist destinations, and the country's largest fruit cultivation area, whose stunning landscapes are dominated by apricot orchards, particularly during blossom in spring and harvest in summer.
The exceptional flavor of Wachau apricots is directly influenced by the region's microclimate, especially the differences in temperature between day and night during the ripening phase. Twenty different Wachauer Marille cultivars are easily distinguished from other apricots by a special seal of quality that guarantees the origin, unique aroma, and rich flavor of these plump fruits.
Kitseer marille refers to a group of apricot varieties that are traditionally grown in the Austrian municipality of Kittsee, in the District of Neusiedl am See, Burgenland. Apricot trees have been thriving in this region for many years, while the first mention of their extensive cultivation in Kittsee dates back to 1924, in the Kittseer Ortschronik.
Owing to the favorable Pannonian climate and the unique qualities of the soil, Kittsee apricots develop an intensely fruity aroma and excellent flavor. Often considered to be among the best apricot varieties in the country, the fully ripened fruits are typically harvested from the beginning to the middle or the end of July.
Leithaberger edelkirsche are famous Austrian cherries that have been grown in the Leithaberg region since the 18th century. There are many varieties of these cherries (more than 15), most of them thin-skinned, bright red or brown. The warm climate and fertile soil make the area ideal for cherry-growing in the local countryside and neighboring vineyards.
The cherries are always hand-picked, using tall ladders. They're used in typical sweets, chutneys, jams, juices, and spirits, or in combinations with fish, lamb, and poultry. Unfortunately, nowadays, only 5000 cherry trees are left in the region (unlike 10-15,000 trees in the 19th century) because the prices are no longer lucrative.
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