On 10 October in Pringy, specialists will identify apple and pear varieties from old fruit trees growing within the Park. The event will make a practical contribution to preserving the region’s fruit-growing heritage.
What is the name of that old apple variety that has been growing in a garden for generations? Is it rare, or is it still commonly found in the region?
On Saturday 10 October, from 9 am to 12 noon, the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park, in partnership with Mazette and the FRUCTUS association, is organising a morning dedicated to identifying old fruit varieties. The event will take place in Pringy at Cidrerie Mazette / Brasserie Le Fou du Roi (Route du Moléson 58b).
Anyone who owns or knows of an old apple or pear tree within the Park is invited to bring 3 to 4 fruits from each tree. Specialists from FRUCTUS, the Swiss association dedicated to preserving fruit heritage, will try to identify the variety. Only fruit from trees growing within the Park will be considered.
Discovering and preserving old varieties
Beyond identifying varieties, the event will also contribute to preserving the region’s fruit-growing heritage. Rediscovered old varieties can be documented and, when they are of particular heritage value, propagated through grafting to ensure their preservation for future generations.
The morning is open to anyone wishing to:
- identify the variety of an old apple or pear tree;
- preserve an old variety and help ensure its propagation;
- order one or more standard fruit trees grafted with old varieties;
- taste Mazette apple juices and ciders.
For almost 20 years, the Regional Nature Park has supported the planting and maintenance of traditional standard orchards, as well as the preservation and promotion of old fruit varieties. These trees shape the landscape, provide valuable habitats for a wide range of plants and animals, and form part of a living heritage worth passing on to future generations.
For the most accurate identification possible, 3 to 4 fruits from each tree should be brought along. If the fruit is picked a few days before the event, it can be stored in the refrigerator until then.
Knowing the location of the tree is also helpful – ideally its address or GPS coordinates. This information makes it easier to document and monitor old varieties and contribute to their preservation.
No registration required.
Dates and timetable
10 October 2026
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
Ciderie Mazette / Brasserie du Fou du Roi
Route du Moléson 58b
1663 Pringy
+41 (0) 26 924 23 30
