Bumper crop of apples and rowanberries in Helsinki area this year
By Markku Karumo
Apples and clusters of rowanberries can be seen on trees all over Helsinki and its surroundings. After a disappointing crop last year, both are in abundance.
“Last year was very warm, but it was too dry for apples and berries”, says urban ecologist Kaarina Heikkonen at the Helsinki Environment Centre.
“Now there has been enough water, but it has not been too cold.”
One good year is not enough for rowanberries: ”A good year is followed by a poor one. The plants amass nutrients, which are not replenished very quickly.”
The yield varies, and there are many factors that influence growth in different parts of the city: the fertility of the soil, and how packed it is, as well as the climate and micro-climates.
“There can be too much water, but there has to be very much water indeed for it not to flow through the soil.
“The rowanberries will stay on the trees until birds eat them.”
“The idea of the rowanberry is to be eaten”, says Lauri Hänninen, information officer of BirdLife Finland.
Flocks of waxwing have not yet been seen in Helsinki, but thrushes are coming.
“Flocks of berry-eating birds come in the late autumn. In some years, the birds do not come until the new year.”
The Uusimaa Martta organisation, which gives advice on domestic housekeeping matters, has been receiving numerous requests for tips on processing apples and rowanberries. According to home economics advisor Tuula Kivialho, apples and rowanberries go well together.
The Marttas recommend avoiding rowanberries that grow closer than 500 metres to a road.
Kivialho also recommends waiiting until there has been a frost, which softens the berries. “The berries should also be tasted before picking.
Juicing stations in the south of Finland are busy this season. “A week and a half ago the season began, and it will continue for at least three or four weeks”, says Mikko Liukko of the Espoo juicing station in Leppävaara. “However, we have managed to handle the rush in a day.”
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 3.9.2008
MARKKU KARUMO / Helsingin Sanomat
markku.karumo@hs.fi
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| 9.9.2008 - THIS WEEK |
 Bumper crop of apples and rowanberries in Helsinki area this year |
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