Gravenstein Apple

Gravensteiner or Gravenstein is an apple cultivar. Its origins are uncertain, but it is believed that it originated in Denmark and in particular in Gråsten area (from which it derives its name).
It has been cultivated in Sweden for the past 300 years. Its growth and maturation is favorable especially in growing areas I-III (agricultural production areas defined for statistical purposes) that are located in the south central area of the country and that are characterized by good coverage of agricultural land.
Many trees of this variety are widespread in Kalmar region, in the south-east part of the country, a fairly well-known area for apples cultivation.
In Sweden Gravensteiner are considered as one of the noblest varieties of apples and for this reason they are often referred to as the "Rolls Royce" of apples.
The trees generally accrue late: the apples are harvested from October / November until December. After harvesting, the apples can be kept for several months, if stored in a dry and protected place.
Gravensteiner are quality apples, with a sweet taste, intense aroma and firm and crisp flesh. The skin is thin and depending on the variety it can be yellow (Gravensteiner gul) or red (Gravensteiner röd). Generally it is believed that the röd variety is slightly sweeter.
These apples are very juicy and tasty and they can be used in various applications, from the production of cider, to the realization of sweets (such as the traditional Swedish apple pie) and compotes. The consumption of the fresh fruit, alone or even in mixed salads, is reccomendable.