Natural conditions on the territory of the peninsula differ depending on the proximity of mountains, the sea, soil features. Therefore, since ancient times, Crimea has been growing a variety of fruits. They are adapted to each region. A great merit in what fruits grow in Crimea now belongs to the breeders of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden.
Beware of "overseas guests"
Every self-respecting tourist, having arrived in the Crimea, must try fruit. But it doesn't hurt to be careful. Despite the fact that such a variety of delicious fruits are grown in the Crimea, a significant number of them are imported from abroad. As a rule, they are beautiful, perfectly stored, and do not disappear for a long time.
June fruit and July
If you are lucky enough to get to the Crimea at the beginning of summer, you can try fruits in June in a large assortment. These are apricot, mulberry, cherry, strawberry, peach. Each of them has a colorful taste. The impressions you get will be another reason to come back here.
Some prefer to visit the peninsula later, knowing what kind of gentle sea Crimea meets in the middle of summer, what fruits in July. These are fruits with a royal taste: new varieties of peaches, watermelons, melons, Crimean tomatoes,apples. And now about each in more detail.
Mulberry
She is very special. Once it was brought from China and since then feels great in the Crimean climate. Within the peninsula, there are about 9 species. And some do not grow anywhere except the Crimea. Mulberry ripens in June, in large quantities, closer to its second half.
The local mulberry grows quite large. White and black, it is very juicy and sweet. Unfortunately, transporting it over long distances is not possible due to its tenderness. Therefore, you will have to eat enough of it on the spot.
Mulberry leaves are also of considerable value. They are used to feed silkworms. In addition, dried leaves and berries are used as an additive to tea, as well as a folk remedy.
Crimean apricots
One of the best fruits Crimea has to offer in June is local apricots. They feel good in the area of Bakhchisaray and Simferopol. In the area of the South Coast, short-term frosts are possible during the beginning of flowering of apricots, which leads to their crop failures. Therefore, a lot of them and at a cheap price can be found in about one year out of 3-4.
In Crimea, there are many varieties bred specifically for this region. The real Crimean varieties are the Krasnocheky and Pineapple apricots. But it is not necessary to treat the wild game without respect. The fact is that wild apricots in the Crimea differ from those in other regions. They are often much sweeter here. And some bitterness only spices up the taste.
The red-cheeked variety has an orange color and almost half a reddish blush. The fruits are quite large, juicy and dense. Medium degree of sweetness. The bone is small.
A separate conversation about the Pineapple apricot. It has a pale orange-cream color. Inside is an oblong bone. Sweet and firm flesh. Even the pit inside the apricot has some sweetness.
Cherry
The cherry season starts in Crimea from mid-June and lasts until the end of July. Later varieties and sweeter. Crimean most common varieties: May early ripening, Drogana yellow, Kara Kerez, Napoleon. The first of them is dark red in color, the shape of the berries is heart-shaped, its flesh is also dark red. Very tasty. The second has a yellow color, a ruddy side. Its size is above average. Very sweet.
A small recommendation for hikers who like to hike in the mountains, explore new places and are lovers of cherries. This berry in the Crimea grows well and everywhere. Unfortunately, today is not the best time for agriculture and for growing cherries in particular. There are abandoned gardens. The cherries in them are already somewhat "wild", but remain very sweet. In addition, it has not been treated with any chemicals for several years.
Therefore, it is worth combining the useful with the pleasant. And not only to go on a hike for the sake of the hike itself, but also to feast on Crimean cherries. long abandoned gardenscan be found at the memorial between the villages of Uglovoe and Peschanoe, near the Red Mountains.
Strawberry
There are many and different varieties of it in the Crimea. It is worth choosing the local one. It is not as big and beautiful as imported, but very sweet. Its aroma is strong. The berries are elongated. Crimean local strawberries are very fleshy and tender. It is very difficult to transport it. So, if a strawberry sits on the market for several hours and is dry and does not lose its appearance, you should doubt that it is local.
Peaches
Peaches and figs are the best fruits and vegetables Crimea has to offer. About 20 varieties of peaches are grown on the peninsula. Their size may vary. The skin is velvety, covered with villi or smooth. The color of the flesh varies from white to yellow-red or even red.
In order not to make a mistake with the choice of a peach in the Crimean market, you need not only to choose a ripe one, but also to smell it well. Crimean local peaches have a very strong and sweet smell. He is heard from a distance. However, you need to smell in order not to make a mistake and not to buy a peach brought green from afar and ripened here. Having sniffed at such a “guest of the Crimea”, you can hear the smell of dust or another chemical tint. As a rule, such peaches are very beautiful, smooth. In contrast, local ripe fruits may not look very beautiful, have a slightly beaten skin or a barrel that is too soft. But it's not scary. Their sugary taste makes up for these shortcomings.
Peachesripen in July. The most common and delicious are as follows.
1. Fluffy early. Creamy small fruits. Round. The flesh is greenish. Very juicy.
2. Red-cheeked. Its size is larger than average, rounded. Cream color with green flesh.
3. Juicy. Green-beige fruit with a half-cherry blush. Very juicy greenish flesh.
4. Nectarine Kyiv. It is a red-burgundy fruit with orange flesh. Sweet with a little sourness. The bone is usually easily separated.
Peach is good for stimulating appetite in children. It is advised for diseases of the stomach, intestines, and rhythm disturbances. It is recommended to rinse your mouth after eating peaches. Their fruit acids have a negative effect on tooth enamel.
Nectarines
This fruit is also grown in the Crimea. However, in very small quantities. Therefore, if you want to try Crimean fruits, you should not take nectarine. As a rule, it is imported. Unfortunately, to a large extent, Crimea receives fruits in July, as well as throughout the year, from Spain or Turkey.
Figs
Of all the fruits that Crimea grows, figs are the most exotic and unusual. This fruit can be truly enjoyed only here. Figs give two crops in the Crimea. One in June-July and the other in August. This fruit must be soft and juicy when buying. And not at all dryish with a dried interior. Figs are very sweet. White and purple figs grow in Crimea. Each of them is good in its own way.
Figs are a real pantry of vitamins and beneficial trace elements. It is recommended for diabetes mellitus, as it helps to lower blood sugar levels. In addition, it helps to lower cholesterol levels and fights the formation of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels.
The "delicious" season on the peninsula starts quite early and ends in late autumn. From May to November, Crimea offers vegetables and fruits in a large assortment. The conditions of the peninsula create prerequisites for growing and ripening peaches, mulberries, strawberries, figs with bright flavors. All of them are different from those grown in neighboring regions. Having visited Crimea during these months, you can easily find out what fruits are in July or September. To do this, just visit the colorful local market. And then it will become clear why the combination "Crimea-fruits" is as relevant as "Crimea-Black Sea".
