Apple Feast of the Saviour and the country's fruit abundance at the "Journey Across Russia" exposition
On 19 August, Russia celebrates Yablochny Spas, a holiday closely associated with the traditions of husbandry and the generosity of nature. On this day, the first harvest of apples traditionally began in Rus, and housewives picked them for making jams, compotes and dried fruits. Today, apples remain one of the most popular fruits in the country: every Russian eats an average of 12 to 15 kilograms per year, which is about 80 apples. A real abundance of apples can be seen at the "Journey Across Russia" display in the thematic zone of the North Caucasus Federal District.
The country's Fruit Storehouse
The North Caucasus is rightfully considered one of the main agricultural breadbaskets of Russia. The favorable climate and fertile soils make it an ideal place for growing fruits and berries. Apples, pears, plums, apricots, grapes, cherries, currants, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are cultivated on an industrial scale here.
The regions of the North Caucasus provide more than 60% of all marketable apples in the country and play a key role in import substitution. Thus, already in 2024, the region completely replaced the import of Polish apples, and the share of Russian apples on the shelves of our stores reaches 75%.
Among the North Caucasian republics, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia — Alania and the Stavropol region are the leaders in regard to the area of apple orchards. North Ossetia has the largest apple orchard in southern Russia, with an area of 1,500 hectares, and Kabardino-Balkaria produces 19% of all apples in the country. It is here that one of the oldest intensive gardens is located, founded back in the 2000s.
The high intensity gardening used in the Caucasus is characterized by a high density of plantings and the rapid entry of trees into fruiting, within 2 - 3 years after planting. The technology ensures high payback and is successfully applied not only for apple trees, but also for cherry orchards and vineyards.
Attention at the highest level
The bright accent of the display is an interactive model of an apple tree, made by hand by Russian craftsmen. Each apple on it is a copy of a real southern fruit, giving off a natural scent. During one of his visits to the National Centre RUSSIA, Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, examined the "Journey Across Russia" exposition, and was told about apple production in the North Caucasus region.
"It smells like apples," the head of state noted on the way to the display.
Vladimir Putin was informed that previously a large number of apples were imported to Russia, and now every fifth apple on Russian shelves comes from the North Caucasus, including Kabardino-Balkaria.
You can visit the "Journey Across Russia" exposition, as well as other expositions and events of the cultural and educational programme of the National Centre RUSSIA, free of charge. Some events require prior registration on the official website russia.ru. Information about current events of the National Centre RUSSIA can be found in the "Events" section of the website.
