Karastoyanka

Why you should be excited

Karastoyanka is a Turkish apple that gained greatest favour in southern Bulgaria early in the 20th century.

The story of Karastoyanka

Some apple varieties moved around a lot, making it difficult to sort out where they originated, especially in crowded Europe.

That's how we came to be unsure as to where Gravenstein started out. Same goes for Karastoyanka, adopted by the central southern Bulgarian region of Plovdiv after having made its way from Turkey or the Crimean Peninsula (so, the Ukraine) sometime during the 19th century.

Assertive and acidic, it's perhaps a bit too coarse for the tastes of some apple lovers, this is a variety that may lack subtlety, but is definitely not short on apple flavour or sharpness.

So, if you like your apples to enthusiastically grab your mouth when you bite into them, you might just have found a new favourite.

Karastoyanka Facts

Its origins

Unknown origins, likely in Crimea or Turkey, sometime before the 19th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

A humdinger of a combination of strong apple flavour and heavy-duty sharpness.

Appearance

A medium-sized apple with a deep red flush over a green background skin colour.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in mid-October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Good.

Quality for cider

Not particularly known for use in cider.

Keeping ability

Very good (4 or 5 months when kept refrigerated).