Fuquina apple is a winter variety of Japanese selection, developed in the Fujisaki region. The trees are medium-sized, reaching a height of about 3–3.5 meters, with a broadly round or compact crown. The bark is brown and ribbed, with medium-thick shoots. The variety is characterized by high winter hardiness and medium resistance to diseases, which requires regular preventive spraying. Fruiting begins on the third year after planting, with medium-late flowering that reduces the risk of bud freezing. Fruiting is periodic, so thinning of the fruit is recommended to improve crop quality. Fuquina apples are large, weighing from 200 to 270 grams, round-elongated in shape with a smooth, thin skin of red-raspberry color with a matte tint and yellow dots or green blurred stripes. The flesh is creamy, very juicy, and crisp, with a delicate sweet-sour taste and an exquisite honey aroma. The content of natural sugars is increased, which gives the fruits a particularly pleasant sweet taste with a aftertaste. Harvesting takes place in mid to late October; the fruits fully ripen about a month after picking maturity. Fuquina apples have excellent storage and transportability: without special cooling, they can be stored for four to five months, and under optimal storage conditions—until the next harvest or even until summer, retaining their taste qualities and beneficial properties. The variety is self-sterile; for pollination, it is recommended to plant the varieties Idared, Golden Delicious, Gala, Granny Smith, or Ligol nearby. Thanks to its taste qualities, high yield, and long storage period, the Fuquina apple is perfect for growing in Ukraine and occupies a significant share of the global market.
