Magyar Posta is continuing its series of special stamps on the topic of the cultivated flora of Hungary – fruit. On this occasion the stamp designs conceived as graphic compositions reminiscent of still lifes show two varieties, the Bereczki quince and the giant Badacsony cherry. Thirty thousand copies of the new issue designed by the graphic artist Imre Benedek were produced by ANY Security Printing Company. The new stamps will be available at first day post offices and Filaposta in Hungary from 3 March 2023, but may also be ordered from Magyar Posta’s online store.
Bereczki quince: one of the oldest Hungarian varietals, this fruit may date back to the Jassic and Ossetian settlers. The fruit of the Jászság (the area named after the Jassic people), it is also known as the Jassic apple and was mainly grown in the region to the east of the River Tisza. It was noted by the pomologist Máté Bereczki. It has large, pink blossom. The tree is moderately vigorous with dark brown twigs and large leaves. It copes well with dry conditions and sandy soil. The pear-shaped fruit weighing 300 to 400 grams has a ribbed, very downy surface. It is bright yellow, highly fragrant and sweet, and can be eaten from the end of October until January. It can be made into a fine compote and produces a high-quality quince cheese. It is also used to make the fruit brandy pálinka.
Giant Badacsony cherry: while usually acknowledged to be the giant variety of the Germersdorfer cherry, its origin is more complex. In 1959, huge trees of this varietal still stood at the foot of Badacsony hill. Fortunately, György Petrovay had introduced it earlier to Nagykörű in the central Tisza region. This vigorous tree has a round crown and is susceptible to frost although it blooms late. It produces a good crop when well pollinated. It differs in fruit size from the Germersdorfer giant cherry only due to where it is grown, and is harvested within a day or two of the main variety. Its main distinguishing characteristic is the slightly bitter taste of the flesh.
The stamp designs reminiscent of still lifes show the fruit, blossom and leaf-covered branches of the Bereczki quince and the giant Badacsony cherry. Fruit compositions feature on the first day cover and in the imprint of the special postmark.
