Grójec apples

The beginnings of Europe’s biggest orchard, as the Grójec area is called, date back to the reign of queen Bona Sforza who was famous for her enthusiasm for gardening and fruit farming. In 1545 she was granted large pieces of land in Grójec poviat, which she later cared for by introducing numerous privileges for garden owners. Later fruit farming was legitimised in a royal act of 1578 issued by the son of queen Bona. It gave rise to the development of fruit, mainly apple, orchards. Many historical works mention the development of manor and peasant orchards in Grójec area.

On 5 October 2011 the name “Jabłka Grójeckie” was entered into the register of protected geographical indications. The protection covers over 40 varieties of apples grown in a strictly designated area of Mazowieckie Voivodeship poviats (Grójec, Żyrardów, Piaseczno, Kozienice, Otwock, Garwolin, Białobrzegi) and Łódzkie Voivodeship poviats (Rawa and Skierniewice). Grójec apples have characteristics (colour, size, specific pulp) resulting from local climate and soil. Their blush is larger than average by about 5%. The beautiful red blush on an apple not only makes it look good, but also proves higher content of colouring agents, mainly anthocyanins and carotenoids, under the skin. Grójec apples also have acidity higher than average for this variety by about 5%.

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Where to buy: http://www.trzyznakismaku.pl/produkty/jablka-grojeckie
Producers: http://www.trzyznakismaku.pl/producenci/jablka-grojeckie
Source of information: http://www.jablkagrojeckie.pl