During the “Vun Äppel a Bieren” MiNELL-workshop on September 19, 2025, at the Bongert Altenhoven, participants were able to discover the flavorful diversity of old fruit varieties. Eight different apple varieties and five pear varieties were presented, explained, and tasted.
Tasted Fruit Varieties
During the tasting at Bongert Altenhoven, a remarkable variety of old apple and pear types was presented to the participants.
The selection of apples ranged from classic dessert apples to robust cider varieties. For example, visitors could taste the Triumph from Luxembourg, an autumn apple also known as ‘Schusterapfel’ (Cobbler’s Apple), and the highly aromatic, very old Goldparmäne variety. The pear varieties presented also showed a wide range. A special highlight was the regional Neelchesbirne (Clove Pear), a very sugary and aromatic variety traditionally used for distilling schnapps or for drying.
The History of the Bongert Altenhoven
At 13 hectares, the Bongert Altenhoven is the largest traditional orchard (Bongert) in Luxembourg. The history of the area, originally used as farmland, began in 1886 with the planting of pear trees. Some of the oldest trees date back to 1890 and are about 135 years old today.
In 1923, Jean Paul Altenhoven acquired the orchard and supplied almost exclusively miners and distilleries. From 1960, the site was leased out and neglected. It reached its lowest point in the 1980s when it was cut in two for the construction of a motorway.
Subsequently, the “Lëtzebuerger Natur- a Vulleschutzliga” took over its care and carefully restored the orchard. The area has been a protected nature reserve since 1998 and is maintained by “Natur&Ëmwelt/Fondatioun Hëllef fir d’Natur”. Today, cattle graze there, an educational trail leads through the meadows, and on public picking days, fruit is harvested to make “Viez” (apple juice).
Impressions of the workshop
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