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The Embassy of Latvia's State Forests to Host Exhibition 101 Apples for Latvia

The Embassy of Latvia's State Forests in cooperation with the Institute of Horticulture invites everyone interested to visit the exhibition “101 Apples for Latvia” (101 ābols Latvijai) to take place from 20 to 22 February. Here, everybody will have an opportunity to get acquainted with the varieties of winter apples grown in Latvia, as well as find answers to questions about apple and pear growing in lectures given by scientists.

The opening of the exhibition will take place on 20 February at 13:00, and within the three days of the exhibition, not only will you be able to look at the different varieties of winter apples, but also to buy some tasty things produced by the Institute for Horticulture such as apples, candies, juices, syrups and teas. There will also be tasting and an excellent opportunity to meet experts who will be happy to answer any questions.

Here is the programme of lectures given by horticultural scientists: on 20 February at 15, Laila Ikase will give an insight into the world of apple varieties and introduce ways to successfully grow delicious apples in own garden. On 21 February at 15, Inese Drudze will tell about the range and peculiarities of pear varieties. On the closing day of the exhibition - on 22 February, it will be possible not only to get advice about apple varieties suitable for different types of gardens, but also to enjoy the different flavours of the apple varieties offered at the exhibition.

The exhibition, as well as a convenient parking at the Embassy of Latvia's State Forests are available for free.

Apple trees have been cultivated in Latvia since the 15th century and, over time they have earned the honour of the favourite fruit tree in Latvia. Local breeds such as Baltais Dzidrais, Mālābele and Ničnera Zemeņu were well-known already in the 19th century; yet today Aļesja, Belorusskoje Maļinovoje, Iedzēnu and Konfetnoje are among the most popular varieties that will suit different preferences.

However, fashion is also changing in the world of fruit trees, and nowadays the interest in unusual apples, which differ from the supermarket supply, such as apples with a red flesh or fruit trees that visually resemble columns, is growing rapidly. Work on the development of new apple varieties takes place both abroad and in Latvia - local breeders work to create new, better apple-tree varieties that are resistant to disease and produce delicious and beautiful fruit. On the last day of the exhibition, visitors will have an opportunity to taste the best of the new varieties such as Dace, Gita, Monta.

The Embassy of Latvia's State Forests is a place to become one with forest, and take a small part of forest and nature home with you. The Embassy in Riga, at 1 Vaiņodes Street, is open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00. For the current offers and news please visit the Embassy's Facebook page.