Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) ÚJFEHÉRTÓI

Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) 'Újfehértói'

The most widespread Hungarian variety with high adaptability and excellent taste.

'Újfehértói fürtös' is a legendary Hungarian sour cherry variety that has gained popularity worldwide (in the USA as 'Balaton'). It is characterized by extraordinary ecological adaptability, thriving on various soil types. It is valued for its large, tasty fruits (suitable even for fresh consumption), self-fertility, and high yield.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High adaptability (thrives on various soils).
• Self-fertility and high, regular yield.
• Large, harmoniously sweet-sour fruits (suitable for fresh consumption).
• Universal usage (excellent for compotes, jams, brandy).
• Late flowering (protection against frosts).

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Hungary (Újfehértó)
• Breeders: Ferenc Pethő, Gábor Muzsnyai, Tibor Szabó
• Origin: Selection from a landrace (1961)
• Registration: 1970

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Strong initially, balanced in bearing age (height 4 – 5 m). Spherical crown with drooping branches.
• Yield: Early onset, bears regularly and abundantly.
• Flowering: Later (frost resistant), self-fertile.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium to large (5 g).
• Shape and Color: Flattened sphere, burgundy-red with shiny skin.
• Flesh: Red, firm, juicy, moderately staining.
• Taste: Harmonious, sweet-sour, typical.
• Usage: Universal – fresh consumption, freezing, compotes, jams, brandy ("Újfehértói meggypálinka").

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: Relatively robust, slightly susceptible to Monilinia. Flower buds are cold resistant.
• Requirements: Low maintenance, adaptable. Tolerates humus-rich sandy soils well.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-fertile. It is an excellent pollinator for other varieties.
• Pruning: Requires regular maintenance pruning after harvest.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late June – early July. Ripening is gradual, but fruits do not drop.