Kiwi is ripening in Uzhgorod (PHOTOS)

Transcarpathian variety of… kiwi. The tropical plant managed to grow and bear fruits in an unusual for it environment thanks to an Uzhgorod breeder. For some twenty years he has been improving the condition of the vine, which is famous for its beautiful appearence. And most importantly – for its delicious and healthy fruits. The local variety of kiwi already exists and has been tested: by frosty winter, by harvest, and by several months of storage of the fruit. Now, the breeder dreams about commercial plantations of once exotic, and now – Transcarpathian plant.

"There was no such thing as the one first kiwi. There was the work with seeds. In the beginning of the 90s, hundreds of thousands of seedlings were sown – left for the winter without insulation, without cover. The goal was to find at least one plant that would survive winter, withstand frosts without human assistance" – Henrich Straton, the breeder says.

They succeeded, and now all of Henrich Straton’s kiwis are the same. Now he prepares seedlings from germs. However, so much work has been done before that and the plant has acquired such new properties that it has become a special – Transcarpathian – variety, called the Carpathian Kiwi. 

 "This plants has survived many winters, gave the first harvest, it became clear that it can withstand low temperatures – minus 27, 28 – that we have recorded since the early 90’s, – Mr. Henrich says, – it became clear that this plant can be cultivated in the open ground in Ukraine."

So, now Transcarpathia is home for kiwi along with Spain, Croatia, Italy, the south of France and others. The Carpathian Kiwi is actually suitable for all regions of Ukraine – it grows and bears fruits both in mountainous Rakhiv district, and near Kyiv and can withstand over thirty degrees frosts.

Now the breeder dreams to establish a Carpathian Kiwi plantation, and is looking for interested farmers. He says, this business is not only interesting but also profitable. 

Also, Mr. Henrich plans to breed a large kiwi with non-furry skin so that it could be eaten without peeling. Also he would like to breed a variety similar to the New Zealand – "gold" – Kiwi with golden flesh. Meanwhile, the first Transcarpathian kiwi variety is ripening in an Uzhgorod yard… The harvest will be gathered here in early October. And the fruit may be stored until spring.

Also the breeder is ready to give the city seedlings of the pink chestnut that does not suffer from pests and diseases, but that’s another story.