Orchard products – active nature conservation and preservation of tradition

Orchards as a permanent part of our family history

In our family tradition, which is over 240 years old, we, today under the name DR. HÖHL'S family, place particular emphasis on the careful handling of our historic orchards. For us, it is not just about continuing our personal history, it is about the heritage of nature .

Our goal is to maintain a harmonious cycle in which wild animals and plants, especially the old German apple varieties, have a future. The orchards are not only worth seeing for walkers in our “Hartig”, but also the basis for our orchard products, such as BioEss apple cider vinegar and REZEPTUR 1779. Orchards are a valuable biotope that combines biodiversity and natural beauty .

You can be part of this movement that is dedicated to nature and its diversity. Become a supporter of the Maintal Hochstadt orchards and help to ensure that this landscape is preserved for future generations . Let us stand up together for a piece of nature that is not only vital, but also simply incredibly beautiful.

Our commitment to orchards

We have committed ourselves to the intensive care of these meadows because they are not only a treat for the eyes, but also a center of biodiversity and a reservoir of cultural heritage . Over 5,000 different animal and plant species find a home here, including rare and old apple varieties that could be lost without our care.

Let us take a closer look at the colourful and vibrant world that calls our orchards home:

Animal species that find protection in our orchards:

• Wild bees: Indispensable pollinators that fly between the apple blossoms and whose work is essential for a successful harvest.
• Butterflies: Colorful visitors like the red admiral or the swallowtail bring the fluttering of summer directly to your home.
• Hedgehogs: These prickly creatures, who find refuge under leaves and in the shade of trees, are loyal guests in our meadows.

• Songbirds: From the cheerful chirping of the robin to the melodious call of the nightingale – our orchards are a stage full of songs.
• Bats: These nocturnal acrobats use the old fruit trees as a hunting ground for insects, a relaxed overhead dinner, so to speak.

Plant species that thrive in the orchards:

• Old apple varieties: A fantastic selection of orchard apple varieties such as Gelber Edelapfel, Roter Eiserapfel, Champagner-Reinette, Schöner von Boskoop, Lohrer Rampur, Rheinischer Bohnapfel and Schafsnase, which tell stories of times gone by. The perfect basis for premium orchard products, like the ones we make for you!
• Meadow herbs: From the aromatic wild carrot to the medicinal plant yarrow, it is a natural herbal book of nature.
• Flowers: A splendor of color in all facets – from daisies that shine like little suns to cornflowers that bring heaven to earth.
• Grasses: Different types of grass, such as smooth oat grass and meadow fescue, form the gentle bed on which our fruit trees stand.

This diversity of species makes our orchards an incomparable reservoir of biodiversity and a true treasure trove of nature. Our meadow is completely natural : no fertilizers, pesticides or other chemical nonsense.

By using products from the meadow orchards, such as DR. HÖHL'S BioEss apple cider vinegar and REZEPTUR 1779, you contribute to the protection of this vital landscape with every bottle. Real enjoyment that does good!

Natural cycle of life on the orchard meadow

Sheep as natural lawnmowers

From time to time, our partner shepherd's sheep take over the natural "lawnmower" duty and keep the grass short. A charming, ecologically sustainable process that helps to maintain the balance . The organic hay that is produced is used as feed for nearby organic farms - a fine example of sustainable agriculture and circular economy .

The deadwood pile as a biodiverse habitat

A deadwood pile is an important structure in a natural garden, forest or orchard. The accumulation of dead wood creates an ideal habitat for numerous insects, fungi and small animals. This microbial diversity is essential for the nutrient cycle and the health of the ecosystem .

A deadwood pile therefore supports biodiversity and contributes to the sustainable development of the environment . It is our intention to consciously create and maintain such structures on our meadows. Deadwood piles are therefore not just piles of branches - they provide homes for wild and carpenter bees, birds, insects and hedgehogs. These small but essential habitats provide shelter and nesting places and contribute to biodiversity .

Shaping the future – living sustainability

We look after our trees in this valuable ecosystem with dedication . It starts with spring or summer pruning, continues with mistletoe removal, new plantings and whitewashing to strengthen the orchard trees. And of course we must not forget the apple harvest, a highlight of our work, which we sometimes offer as an apple harvest workshop . We look after and harvest with our own hands and with a lot of love and dedication.

With our commitment, which runs almost all year round, we preserve these valuable living spaces and retreats for all living creatures. Our work is always geared to the needs of nature - so we only mow when it is really necessary or when our woolly helpers need a break.

This happens throughout the year and takes place on each of our trees with great care:

• Spring or summer cut

• Mistletoe removal

• White paint

• Tree strengthening

• Apple harvest (also as a workshop)

• Mowing (when needed or the sheep were too full)

• New plantings

• Visits to kindergartens

• Educational work so that even more people treat this wonderful part of our nature with care

• And of course: paperwork

• …did we mention that we do all this on the side? 😉

Mindfulness and education

The relationship with nature depends on the passing on of knowledge. That is why we do educational work and invite kindergartens to visit our orchards. It is important that even the youngest generation develops an understanding of the importance of these biotopes.

Today, only a few people take on the effort and hard work, and unfortunately more and more orchards are falling into disrepair. Orchards are declining for various reasons. Special thanks therefore go to our dedicated Christina. She recently completed her training as a qualified landscape fruit farmer . With this specialist knowledge, she can optimally look after the orchards and deepen her understanding of the biotope. Her expertise not only helps us in our day-to-day lives, but also ensures that our knowledge is passed on to the next generation .

The meadow orchard – useful for society and nature

Orchard meadows are more than just picturesque landscapes; they are the lifeblood of nature, whose importance for our climate , our air and the preservation of biodiversity cannot be overestimated. Every single meadow is a vital piece of the puzzle in our ecosystem , which we preserve and promote with dedication and pride.

Orchards…

• Ensure a cooler climate

• Create oxygen / convert CO ₂

• Protect animal and plant species (more than 5000 different)

• Also ensure biodiversity through their evergreen soil

• Are a gene pool for the old valuable apple varieties

• They are simply incredibly beautiful to see and there is so much to observe

• Are a very tasty and vitamin-rich supply of local fruit

• Must be urgently protected, are one of the most endangered biotopes in Europe
  
  

Our orchard products: Grown on traditional soils

Not a given – apple cider vinegar from meadow orchard apples

With every drop of our BioEss apple cider vinegar, you are practically enjoying a piece of our orchard. The two variants BioEss naturally cloudy and BioEss clear are created from the biological diversity of our orchards, where old apple varieties develop their unique taste in organic quality.

Read here how apple cider vinegar can positively influence glucose levels and help you lose weight

RECIPE 1779: Apple cider vinegar with honey

What can you do? Choose products from orchards!

The orchards of Maintal Hochstadt are a sight that warms your heart. When you walk there, you can leave everyday life behind you, listen to the bees , admire the variety of flowers and maybe even spot a hedgehog or a deer . Despite our efforts, our orchards face challenges. They are one of the most endangered biotopes in Europe. Help us to preserve and expand this unique ecosystem and keep knowledge alive .

Did you know that every purchase of a meadow orchard product, such as BioEss apple cider vinegar or REZEPTUR 1779, not only ensures your well-being , but also supports local meadow orchards ? With your contribution, you give the legacy of our ancestors a long life and promote the growth of our valuable natural areas . By using meadow orchard products, you also support the protection and preservation of this valuable natural landscape .

Let us preserve this cultural heritage together, which is also a promise for tomorrow . Enjoy the naturally grown premium quality of our orchard products and become part of our mission: together for the preservation of a small paradise - for the benefit of society and nature. Your decision for DR. HÖHL'S orchard products is a step towards a more vibrant and healthier world. Come with us on this journey - for a future that we can look forward to with joy.