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Limonka apples are medium to large fruits with a conical to circular, slightly flattened shape. The skin is thin, smooth, and glossy, appearing yellow-green when unripe, maturing to golden yellow hues with patches of red-orange blush. The skin is also slightly ribbed, dotted with lenticels, and covered in a layer of wax. Underneath the surface, the flesh is pale yellow to ivory, dense, fine-grained, and aqueous, encasing a central core filled with black-brown seeds. Limonka apples bear a subtle, pleasant aroma and have a sweet flavor mixed with a hint of tangy sourness.
Seasons/Availability
Limonka apples are available in the fall and winter.
Current Facts
Limonka apples, botanically classified as Malus domestica, are a rare variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The golden fruits earned their lemon moniker for the light acidity contained within the flesh, giving the apple a hint of sourness when consumed. Limonka apples are also known as Reneath Burkhard, Lemon apples, and Yabloko Limonka, and the mature trees can reach up to 6 meters in height. The trees begin bearing fruit within 2 to 6 years, and the variety was once highly favored in Central Asian home gardens for its flavor, growth characteristics, and extended storage capabilities. In the modern-day, Limonka apples are challenging to find as they are not commercially cultivated and are mainly used to create new hybrid apples.
Nutritional Value
Limonka apples provide vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and potassium to balance fluid levels within the body. The apples also contain iron, calcium, and some citric acid, a mild acid that contributes to the fruit’s slight sourness.
Applications
Limonka apples are considered a dessert variety valued for their sweet, subtly tart flavor. The apples can be consumed straight, out of hand, or they can be sliced and tossed into salads, grain bowls, fruit bowls, and coleslaws. Limonka apples can also be blended into smoothies, juiced for beverages, or pureed into apple sauce. In addition to fresh preparations, Limonka apples can be incorporated into cakes, pies, tarts, crumbles, and other baked goods, or they can be cooked into jams, jellies, and preserves. Limonka apples are appreciated by home chefs for their bright flavoring and are mainly utilized for compotes. Limonka apples pair well with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, vanilla, maple syrup, and chocolate. Whole, unwashed Limonka apples will keep for 2 to 3 months when properly stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Limonka apples are closely associated with Almaty, Kazakhstan, as the specific terroir of the region is believed by experts to contribute to the apple’s sweet-tart, lemon-like flavor. The variety was once a prevalent home garden cultivar, but due to the influx of imported apples, especially from China, and new hybrids better suited for faster commercial production, Limonka apples have largely been forgotten. In Almaty, the apples are primarily found on abandoned plots of land or in old gardens. Select apple growers in the Almaty region still cultivate a few Limonka trees on their land for local sale. The Limonka apples featured in the photograph above were discovered at the Central Green Market in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Green Market, also known as the Green Bazar, is a location steeped in tradition where Almaty residents could buy and sell fresh local produce. In the present day, it remains a gathering place for vendors and Almaty residents to purchase quality produce, premade food, and specialty goods.
Geography/History
Limonka apples are native to Central Asia. The exact origin of the variety is unknown, but experts believe the cultivar was created from a natural cross between a renet simirenko and granny smith apple. Limonka apples were registered as an official variety with the Russian Federation in the mid 20th century, and the apples are commonly found in fertile forest growing regions. Today Limonka apples are difficult to find and are mainly grown in Central Russia and in the Kyzylorda, Almaty, and Zhambyl regions of Kazakhstan.
Central Green Market
Zhibek Zholy str 53, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Limonka apples. These apples have a glossy, slightly ribbed skin that transitions from yellow-green to golden yellow with red-orange blush as they mature. Their flesh is pale yellow to ivory, fine-grained and juicy, encasing black-brown seeds. Known for their sweet and tangy flavor, Limonka apples also carry a subtle, pleasant aroma, further enhancing their appeal in culinary uses.
EcoFreshMarket
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, 5WV3+MM5, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Limonka apples of Kazakhstan.. Limonka apples are a dessert variety known for their sweet yet subtly tart flavor. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to salads, or used in grain and fruit bowls. They are versatile for baking, enhancing cakes, pies, and crumbles, and can be cooked into jams or preserves. Pair well with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or flavors like chocolate and maple syrup. When stored unwashed in a cool, dry place, these apples can last for 2 to 3 months.
Almaty Central Green Market
Zhibek Zholy 58, Almaty, Kazakhstan
View on Instagram
Limonka apples of Kazakhstan.. Limonka apples are not just unique for their flavor but also for their nutritional benefits. They are a source of vitamin C, which helps bolster the immune system, and potassium, which aids in maintaining fluid balance in the body. In addition, they provide iron for oxygen transport, calcium for bone health, and citric acid, which contributes to their slight sourness, making them both a tasty and health-supportive choice.
EcoFreshMarket
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, 5WV3+MM5, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Limonka apples of South Kazakhfilm.. Limonka apples are native to Central Asia and are believed to be a natural cross between the Renet Simirenko and Granny Smith apple varieties. This cultivar was officially registered with the Russian Federation in the mid-20th century. Although difficult to find today, they are primarily grown in Central Russia and Kazakhstan, particularly in the Kyzylorda, Almaty, and Zhambyl regions, thriving in fertile, forested areas.
Esik Central Market
9F35+MHF, Belinski street, Esik, Kazakhstan
Limonka apples collected at local to Esik foothills.. Limonka apples are linked to Almaty's unique terroir, which enhances their sweet-tart, lemon-like flavor. Once common in home gardens, this variety has faded due to competition from imported apples and hybrids optimized for commercial farming. While largely forgotten, some growers in Almaty still cultivate Limonka trees, often on old plots or abandoned land, preserving a rare taste of the region’s heritage.
Airba fresh market
ул. Тимирязева 42, Алматы 050057
Crispy apples limonka grown in the foothills of Ile Alatau mountains. Limonka apples have a thin, glossy skin that starts yellow-green and transitions to golden yellow with red-orange blush as it matures. Their flesh is pale yellow to ivory, dense, and fine-grained, offering a sweet taste with a tangy sourness. The surface is dotted with lenticels, slightly ribbed, and coated in a natural wax layer. These apples also feature an appealing aroma and a central core filled with dark seeds.
Kazakhfilm weekend food fair
5WW4+WG7, улица Жарокова, Алматы, Казахстан
Tasty limonka apples grown in the foothills of Ile Alatau mountains. Limonka apples are celebrated not only for their flavor but also for their versatility in the kitchen. They can be transformed into everything from apple sauces and compotes to baked treats like crumbles and tarts. Their bright flavor pairs beautifully with vanilla, maple syrup, or even chocolate. For optimal storage, keep whole unwashed Limonka apples in a cool, dry, and dark location, where they can maintain freshness for up to 2 to 3 months.
Supermarket Galmart
Достық даңғылы дом 162, Алматы 050000, Казахстан
Seasonal limonka apples grown on the foothills of Ile Alatau foothills. Limonka apples are botanically known as Malus domestica and are also called Reneath Burkhard, Lemon apples, or Yabloko Limonka. These rare apples have a light acidity that gives them a subtle sour note, making them unique. Once popular in Central Asia, they are now scarce due to the lack of commercial cultivation and are often used to develop hybrid apple varieties. The trees can reach 6 meters and begin bearing fruit in 2 to 6 years.
"Kazakhfilm" weekend food fair
Vishnevaya str. 27, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Early riped Limonka apples of excellent sweet taste. Limonka apples are believed to have originated in Central Asia through a natural cross between renet simirenko and granny smith apples. Registered as an official variety in Russia in the mid-20th century, these apples thrive in fertile forest regions. However, they are quite rare today and are primarily cultivated in Central Russia and the Kyzylorda, Almaty, and Zhambyl regions of Kazakhstan.
Vegetable convenient store 4u
Zharokova str 184, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Limonka apples grown in Ile Alatau foothills of Kazakhstan. Limonka apples are tied to Almaty, Kazakhstan, where the region's unique terroir enhances their sweet-tart, lemon-like flavor. Once a common garden cultivar, their prominence has declined due to competition from imported apples and faster-growing hybrids. Today, they are mainly found in old gardens or abandoned plots, with a few cultivated locally for sale. Some Limonka apples can still be spotted at Almaty's Central Green Market, a hub for fresh local produce and traditional specialties.
