Ranetki

small-fruited varieties of apple obtained by crossing the Siberian crab apple (or its hybrids) with European varieties or with the Chinese apple. Characteristics of the Siberian crab apple predominate in Ranetki: they are winter-hardy and early-maturing, and they produce large yields every year. Ranetki are used in the selective breeding of apple trees. The fruits are eaten fresh or in processed form. The seeds of some varieties are used for raising stocks. In Siberia and the Soviet Far East the following varieties are common: Purple Ranetka, Altai Amber, Pudovshchina Seedling, and Invincible Grellia.