Apple Red Topaz — a winter variety of Czech breeding, distinguished by high cold resistance up to -26 degrees and resistance to scab. The tree is medium-sized, reaching a height of 3 to 5 meters, with a rounded crown prone to overcrowding. The plant is early-bearing, producing its first harvest on the 4th year after transplanting to a permanent location, and if suitable pollinators are present, it fruits annually and stably. The average yield of a young tree is about 15 kg of apples per season. Fruits of the Red Topaz variety have a round-oval shape and weigh between 120 to 200 grams, characterized by dense, smooth skin with large lenticels. At maturity, the apples develop a rich red blush covering 30 to 100% of the fruit surface. The flesh is creamy, finely-grained, juicy, with a pleasant balanced sweet-sour taste and a persistent aroma, which may remind of mandarin after storage. Harvesting maturity occurs at the end of September — beginning of October, while consumer maturity is in November. The fruits store well for up to 7 months without loss of flavor. Apple Red Topaz is versatile in use: fruits are suitable for fresh consumption as well as for making purees, jams, and compotes. The variety has moderate resistance to powdery mildew and requires regular care to maintain tree health and high yields. Due to its flavor, ornamental appearance, and good storability, Red Topaz is an excellent choice for gardeners who value winter apple varieties with long storage life.
