As autumn approaches, Czech apple lovers face a bitter reality: supermarket prices for their favorite fruit have skyrocketed. Consumers are feeling the pinch, with average prices reaching 37 crowns per kilogram and some varieties costing up to 90 crowns. However, a sweet solution could save shoppers a significant amount of money: self-pick orchards.
The dramatic price increase resulted from severe spring frosts that destroyed over three-quarters of the domestic apple crop. This scarcity has driven up prices, with some stores and farmers’ markets charging as much as 80 crowns per kilogram. Agrarian analyst Petr Havel suggests that these prices push the limits of what Czech consumers are willing to pay for apples.
Enter the self-pick option. From August to October, many orchards open their gates to the public, offering a chance to hand-pick apples at a fraction of the supermarket cost. Prices vary by region and variety, but they can be up to five times cheaper than retail prices. For instance, in Bílé Podolí orchards near Kutná Hora, self-pick prices range from 8 to 15 crowns per kilogram.
The popularity of self-pick isn’t just about savings. Eduard Kozák, an orchard owner, notes that people love the experience of choosing and picking fresh apples. “It reminds older folks of their childhood, and children enjoy being outdoors instead of in a supermarket,” he says. Kozák sells his apples for 25 crowns per kilogram and claims they taste better than supermarket offerings at similar prices.
However, not all orchards can offer self-pick options this year. Many, especially in Bohemia, have been severely affected by frost damage and May hailstorms, leading to a complete loss of crops. The situation is so dire that fruit growers call it a calamity, with this year’s fruit harvest expected to drop by 77 percent compared to the five-year average.