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Vernyi Pear apples are small, slightly flattened fruits, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter and 4 to 6 centimeters in length, and have a round to conical shape, connected to thin and fibrous, dark brown stems. The skin is thick, smooth, and yellow-green, sometimes covered entirely in a dark red blush, and there are prominent spots, known as lenticels, scattered across the surface. Underneath the skin, the flesh is crisp, aqueous, dense, and white with a pink hue, encasing a large core filled with oval, brown-black seeds. Vernyi Pear apples are aromatic with a balanced, sweet, and sour flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Vernyi Pear apples are harvested in the fall and can be stored until the early spring.
Current Facts
Vernyi Pear apples, botanically classified as Malus domestica, are a rare variety that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Found only growing in its native region of southern Kazakhstan, Vernyi Pear apples were discovered through natural selection and have been cultivated since ancient times. The apples are also known as Vernenskaya Grushovka and Grushovka Alma-Ata, which roughly translates to Vernyi Pear apple and Alma-Ata Pear apple, which are both old names for the city of Almaty. Vernyi Pear apple trees are favored for their high yields of fruit that have extended storage capabilities, a sweet, tangy taste, and a crunchy consistency. Despite the apple’s valued flavor and rarity, the variety is disappearing from local markets due to an influx of competition from inexpensive, foreign cultivars.
Nutritional Value
Vernyi pear apples are an excellent source of fiber, which can help regulate the digestive system and are a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can boost the immune system and the body’s resistance to free radicals. The apples also contain B-complex vitamins, vitamin K, calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.
Applications
Vernyi Pear apples are best suited for raw applications as their crisp, dense, and juicy nature is showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand. The apples can also be sliced and displayed on cheese plates, sliced and served with spreads, chopped and tossed into green salads, or sprinkled with cinnamon and eaten as a crisp dessert. In addition to fresh applications, Vernyi Pear apples can be made into sauces, jams, or jellies, baked into cakes, muffins, pies, or tarts, or cooked with roasted meats. The apples can also be dried or pickled for extended use. Vernyi Pear apples pair well with meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, carrots, cucumbers, leafy greens, nuts, raisins, other dried fruits, and honey. The fresh apples will keep 2-3 months when stored whole and unwashed in a cool, dry, and dark place such as the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Almaty, the vendors that grew the Vernyi Pear apples featured in the photograph above were of Russian and Turkish descent and are cultivating varieties of apples for local sale and export. The vendors own dachas, which are private plots of land in the countryside that are traditionally inherited, given, or purchased, and these plots can be used for homes or gardens. The vendor’s orchards regularly produce an abundant harvest of apple varieties, and many of these apples are exported to Russia for sale as souvenirs. Despite their plentiful harvests, many of the apples sold by the vendors in Almaty must be marketed inexpensively, even if they are cultivated organically, to compete with larger competitors flooding the market with low-priced varieties. One of the Vernyi Pear apple vendors has been a part of growing local apples found in Almaty since he was seven years old but has seen the Vernyi Pear apple recently disappearing from the market due to the competition from larger vendors.
Geography/History
Vernyi Pear apples were discovered growing naturally in Kazakhstan and have been cultivated since ancient times. Today the rare apples are mainly grown on a small-scale in orchards in southeastern Kazakhstan, specifically in the Almaty, Kyzyl-Orda, and Zhambyl provinces. The Vernyi Pear apples in the photograph above were found at a weekend food fair in the Baganashyl district of Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Central Green Market
Zhibek Zholy str 53, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Vernyi pear apples of Kazakhstan. Vernyi Pear apples are compact fruits, generally measuring 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter and 4 to 6 centimeters in length, with a distinct round to conical shape. They have thick, smooth skin that is yellow-green and often blushes dark red. Their flesh is crisp, dense, and white with a pink tint, surrounding a large core of brown-black seeds. Known for their balanced, sweet-tart flavor, these apples are also notable for their aromatic qualities.
Almaty Central Green Market
Zhibek Zholy 58, Almaty, Kazakhstan
View on Instagram
Vernyi pear apples of South East Kazakhstan. Vernyi Pear apples are versatile and shine in both fresh and cooked preparations. Their crisp texture makes them perfect for salads, cheese plates, or paired with cinnamon as a dessert. They can also be crafted into sauces, jams, baked goods, or even pickled for preservation. When stored whole and unwashed in a cool, dark spot, they can stay fresh for 2 to 3 months, making them a reliable fruit for extended enjoyment.
Zhetygen weekend food fair
Zhetygen, Almaty region, Kazakhstan
Vernyi pear apples of Kazakhstan.. Vernyi Pear apples are notable not only for their sweet, tangy taste and crunchy texture but also for their impressive storage capabilities, making them a practical choice for fruit lovers. However, this rare variety is at risk of disappearing from local markets in Kazakhstan due to increased competition from cheaper, foreign cultivars. Nutritionally, they offer dietary fiber, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, and potassium, contributing to digestive health, boosted immunity, and stronger bones.
Central Green Market
Zhibek Zholy str.53, Almaly, Kazakhstan
View on Instagram
Vernyi pear apples of Kazakhstan.. Vernyi Pear apples: These apples are a rare variety that were originally discovered growing naturally in Kazakhstan. They have been cultivated since ancient times and are primarily grown on a small scale in southeastern Kazakhstan. Regions such as Almaty, Kyzyl-Orda, and Zhambyl provinces specialize in cultivating this unique fruit. The apples in the photograph were seen at a weekend food fair in the Baganashyl district of Almaty, emphasizing the local connection to their origins.
Market Orbita
Orbita microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Vernyi Pear apples were cultivated by vendors of Russian and Turkish descent in Almaty, often grown on dachas—private countryside plots. These vendors have produced abundant harvests for local sale and export, especially to Russia as souvenirs. However, market competition from larger entities has led to declining availability of Vernyi Pear apples despite their organic cultivation and historical significance.
Green market
Zhibek Zholy 52, Almaty, Kazakhstan
View on Instagram
Vernyi pear apples is a rare and not commercial variety of unique taste. Grown in Kazakhstan. Vernyi Pear apples have a smooth, thick skin that ranges from yellow-green to entirely covered in a dark red blush. The flesh beneath is crisp and white with a pink hue, offering a balanced sweet and sour flavor. These aromatic apples also feature scattered lenticels and a fibrous stem, making them visually striking and uniquely delicious.
Apple Fest
Park of the First President, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Vernyi pear apples of South Kazakhstan. Vernyi Pear apples are versatile fruits, best enjoyed raw to highlight their crisp, juicy texture. They are great in salads, cheese plates, and desserts with cinnamon. These apples can also be transformed into sauces, jams, jellies, or baked goods like pies and cakes. They pair wonderfully with meats, leafy greens, nuts, and honey. Stored whole and unwashed in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator, these apples remain fresh for 2–3 months.
Yubileinyi Supermarket
проспект Абылай Хана 74, Алматы 050000, Казахстан
Sweet and crispy Vernyi Pear apples of Trans Ile Alatau foothills. Vernyi Pear apples are a rare and ancient variety native to southern Kazakhstan, botanically classified as Malus domestica. Known for their sweet, tangy flavor and crisp texture, their extended storage capabilities and high yield make them prized. However, they are becoming scarce in local markets due to competition from cheaper foreign apples. These apples are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and minerals like potassium and iron, supporting digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Orbita market
Bizhana street, Orbita microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Local pear apple from Almaty farmers. Vernyi Pear apples were originally discovered growing naturally in Kazakhstan and have been cultivated since ancient times. These rare fruits are primarily grown on a small scale in the southeastern regions of Kazakhstan, including the Almaty, Kyzyl-Orda, and Zhambyl provinces. While uncommon, they can still be found at local events like a weekend food fair in Almaty's Baganashyl district.
Kazakhfilm food fair
Vishnevaya 13, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Vernyi (Loyal) pear apples of Almaty region. Vernyi Pear apples are cultivated by vendors in Almaty, many of whom are of Russian and Turkish descent. These vendors often grow their apples on dachas, private countryside plots traditionally inherited, gifted, or purchased. Though harvested abundantly, Vernyi Pear apples face strong competition from larger vendors, making it difficult for this organic variety to stay prominent in the market. Some apples are also exported to Russia as souvenirs.
