What fruits grow in Abkhazia?
The territory of our country is huge, so the climate in different regions can vary greatly. However, in most areas, the period of heat and sun lasts only 2-3 months, and the rest of the time is occupied by cold and precipitation. Growing a rich crop of heat-loving plants in such conditions is very difficult, so many people buy fruits and berries in various markets and stores.
Juicy watermelons and melons, fragrant peaches and traditional New Year's tangerines most often come to us from sunny Abkhazia. In addition, this country is considered one of the best Black Sea resorts, where tourists come almost all year round. You can combine a pleasant beach holiday with tasting and buying freshly harvested fruits if you know the ripening period of your favorite fruits.
Abkhazia - "country of the soul"
Anyone who has visited this hospitable republic at least once strives to return there again. A thin strip of land, sandwiched on the map between the Black Sea waters and the Caucasus Range, is famous for the healing properties of mountain and sea air. Breathtaking mountain landscapes will decorate your vacation, and mineral springs will help you improve your health, which has been shaken in the conditions of a large industrial city. Finding a common language with people living in Abkhazia is quite simple. Despite the fact that Abkhazian is considered the official language of the republic, after the fourth grade, Russian is also taught in all schools.
The humid subtropical climate allows many fruit trees to grow in natural conditions that could not take root in our climate.
The average temperature in the mountains is about 18 degrees, and on the coast - about 22. In order to catch the season of active flowering and fruiting of Abkhazian trees, it is better to choose a period from late May to late September for a visit.
At the same time, regardless of the conditions in which the tourist will live, he will be able to fully enjoy the local flavor and enjoy fresh fruits. Those living in hotels and sanatoriums can be offered a buffet or menu, and those who rent a room or house from local residents will be able to purchase fresh fruits in the market squares and even simply pick them from trees while walking along the streets.
spring season
The spring season in Abkhazia begins much earlier than in our regions. Already at the beginning of April, when our cities can still be covered with snow, the first warm days are set in this republic. At the same time, in mid-May, the air temperature becomes so high that you can swim and sunbathe without fear of catching a cold.
The very first to sing unusual fruits, which in Abkhazia are called mulberry. In our regions, this plant is known as the mulberry tree. Outwardly, the fruits resemble blackberries, but they are much larger and have a more elongated shape. This fruit is good both for fresh consumption and for cooking various desserts. Its pulp is so tender, and the skin is so thin that it is almost impossible to take fresh mulberries home.
But fruit jam prepared with the addition of such a fruit will be an excellent reminder of a warm vacation or serve as a wonderful souvenir for friends and relatives.
Summer season
After harvesting mulberries, summer comes, when most of the fruit variety of Abkhazia ripens. By the beginning or middle of June, bright dogwood berries, which grows on high mountain ranges and has more than 50 varieties. Almost all varieties grow in this republic. The fruits are used in the preparation of not only desserts, but also various sauces that are served with fish or meat.
From the end of June to mid-July, reigns in gardens and food stalls sweet cherry. Its variety and quantity exceeds demand so much that the price drops to the very minimum, and by the end of the day in many markets they can give away unsold goods for just a penny.
In addition to the usual sweet cherry, a special one also ripens during this period. Abkhaz cherry called laurel. It grows only on the territory of the republic. It got its name because of the shape of the leaves, reminiscent of the famous seasoning. The taste of the fruit is somewhat specific, so not everyone will like it, but it’s still worth trying a unique variety.
Also during this period, the first peaches, growing not only in gardens and parks, but also on the streets of the city. Their size is much smaller than Turkish peaches, but in taste they are quite capable of competing for superiority with southern fruits.
In August, the republic turns into a real fruit Eden. The markets are filled not only with ripe juicy apples and pears, to which our people are quite accustomed, but also with more exotic fruits. Any tourist will be interested to try the healing fruits white fig, which can help with many different diseases of the stomach and heart. Hanging from the stalls are long vines with tassels of ripe grapes. Its quantity is so large that this fruit is used not only for making desserts, but also for distillation into homemade wines.
Unfortunately, sugar ripe fruits are quite difficult to store, so it is unlikely that you will be able to bring them home intact. For this reason, you should not refuse such a treat during the holidays.
autumn season
In early and mid-September, late varieties of summer fruits are still ripening, which have a less sweet taste, but their aroma is an order of magnitude stronger than the early ones. In addition to white, the classic one also appears on sale. black fig with round fruits. The delicate taste compensates for the even higher content of substances useful to the human body.
By the end of September, it is precisely those fruits that you can take with you as a hotel that come to the fore. These are the fruits of the fragrant barberry, juicy feijoa and tart persimmon. In order for fruits to arrive at the very peak of their ripening, it is necessary to take them away slightly unripe.
The tourist season in Abkhazia, as usual, ends closer to the second half of October, when late persimmon varieties ripen. In order for the fruits to acquire the desired softness, but at the same time remain sweet, the plant must survive the first frost. It will not work to take such a soft persimmon with you, so you will have to feast on the fruit on the spot before leaving.
Winter season
If you come to the republic closer to winter, you can enjoy not only a beautiful view of snow-capped peaks, but also a real hallmark of Abkhazia - citrus fruits. Tangerine trees, growing literally near every entrance, bear the earliest fruits.After them begin to ripen lemons, grapefruits, limes.
In early December, the last crop of late-ripening persimmons is harvested, for example, the famous "bull's heart" variety, which is so loved in our country.
People who prefer to taste more exotic delicacies on vacation will be able to enjoy sour kiwi and sweet dates.
For those who choose a budget holiday, a winter visit to Abkhazia will be an ideal option. Firstly, after the end of the tourist season, it is much easier to find cheaper accommodation or a tour. Secondly, in the markets you can find both fresh winter fruits and summer pears or grapes preserved by local gardeners. At the same time, the price for them will be significantly lower than at the peak of their maturation. The sea winter air and snow caps on the tops of the mountains will turn the usual beach holiday into an unusual journey, and seasonal fruits will allow you to get a vitamin charge of vivacity even in the coldest winter months.
About the rest in Abkhazia, see the video below.