Heritage varieties are vegetable cultivars that have been used for at least 50 years. They are connected to the history of Estonian families and places.
Heritage varieties differ from bred varieties. Bred varieties must always retain their initial characteristics. Heritage varieties, however, change because people themselves select the best plants for cultivation.
Heritage varieties have been shared between families and neighbors in Estonia. Women have played a significant role, as they carried seeds with them when they moved to new places.
Currently, the preservation of heritage varieties is at risk. Older people are passing away, and younger people are moving to cities. Seed preservation is being forgotten. Some old varieties have already been lost.
Recently, interest in heritage varieties has grown. In Tallinn and Tartu, there are seed libraries. People's initiatives also help preserve old varieties.
Heritage varieties usually taste better than modern varieties. This is because people are accustomed to them, and they are adapted to local conditions. Store-bought varieties are bred to better withstand transport.
Heritage varieties are part of Estonia's cultural heritage. For example, the Peipsi onion is a well-known example of a heritage variety. Old varieties are often associated with fascinating stories passed down through generations.
Gene banks store seeds in deep freeze. Some plants, like potatoes, cannot be preserved as seeds. Therefore, they are grown in test tubes. This helps keep the varieties disease-free and resource-efficient.
In gene banks, it is possible to heal plants. For example, the old variety Jõgeva yellow was infected with a virus, but it was healed.
Everyone can help preserve old varieties. It's important to grow them in your garden and collect seeds from them. This helps ensure food security and cultural heritage.