Sapphire

A robust choice for commercial fruit processing

The 'Sapphire' hybrid by FANTZA is a specialized plum-sloe cultivar engineered for high-yield performance in environments where industrial processing—specifically drying—is the primary business objective. With an exceptional cold tolerance of down to -35°C, this variety is an excellent asset for orchards located in challenging climates.

Practical application in the field

• Processing efficiency: The fruit's fibrous and juicy texture makes it ideal for industrial drying. The stone separates easily, a feature that significantly improves labor efficiency during the harvest window of August 16th–31st, allowing for rapid batch preparation.
• Economic yield: Delivering 35–50 kg of fruit per tree, 'Sapphire' offers the stability required for large-scale production planning. It allows farm managers to accurately forecast their raw material supplies for drying facilities and cold storage.
• Logistics and durability: The small, round, blue fruits are highly resistant to bruising and deformation during mechanical harvesting or transport to the processing facility, ensuring low waste and high throughput.

Although the fruit size is compact (10–20 g), the flavor profile—balanced by an 8–11% sugar content—is well-suited for high-quality dried goods, as well as juices and concentrates. Because of its intense winter hardiness, 'Sapphire' reduces the need for expensive winterization protocols, making it a low-risk, high-reward option for commercial orchards looking to streamline their harvest-to-processing operations.