Apple Tree Bénédictin - Malus domestica

The Malus domestica Benedictin or Reinette Normande is an old variety, widely grown in Normandy, known for producing apples of excellent taste for various culinary uses. It produces a globular-shaped apple, slightly flattened at both ends, with a large size (weight over 200 grams) and smooth and dull skin. The skin is yellow-orange, striped with red, dotted with grey and fawn spots, and brown spots around the pedicel. Its large eye, open in a shallow cavity, resembles a medlar, so it is called Nefle Eye. Its white flesh, turning yellowish at ripeness, is delicate, tender, crisp, juicy, sweet, slightly acidic, and pleasantly fragrant. The harvest ranges from late September to late October, and the fruits can be consumed from late November and can be stored until mid-February if the harvest is late and stored under optimal conditions. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties for pollination.

The Malus domestica, also known as Malus communis or Malus pumila, is commonly called the Common or Domestic Apple Tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Present in France and Europe since ancient times, it is a fruit tree native to the forests of Central Asia. It has excellent hardiness and is probably Northern Europe's most cultivated fruit tree. There are about 20,000 varieties, including approximately 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. The Benedictine Apple Tree, also known as Reinette Normande, Nefle Eye, or Benedictin de Jumieges, seems to originate from Haute-Normandie. It is an old variety, widespread and cultivated in the Seine Valley, Pays de Caux, Roumois, and Marais Vernier. It is named Benedictin in tribute to the monks of the Abbey of Jumieges in Seine-Maritime.

The Benedictine Apple Tree is a tall-growing tree with a semi-erect habit, reaching approximately 5 metres (16 feet) in height and 4 metres (13 feet) in width at maturity. It is well-suited to high-stem forms. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, greenish-brown on the upper side and whitish-green on the lower side, with deeply toothed edges. The white, mid-late flowering occurs around late April or May, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). The Apple Tree is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures around -25°C (-13°F) and is suitable for cultivation in all regions of France. Its abundant flowering is remarkably decorative in spring and particularly attractive to bees and nectar-loving insects. Despite its vigour, it produces poor-quality pollen, making it weakly self-pollinating or pollinating other apple varieties. It produces apples with few or no fertile seeds. It is said to be self-sterile, which is why the presence of apple trees flowering at the same time is necessary. Varieties such as Court Pendu, Cox Orange, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Reinette Clochard, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette Etoilée, Royal Gala, or any other mid-late flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, such as Perpetu Evereste and John Downie, flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The Benedictine Apple Tree is a vigorous, fertile variety with relatively rapid fruiting. It produces a regular and abundant crop. It is somewhat susceptible to bacterial canker and less susceptible to woolly aphids.

A high-quality apple can be enjoyed in various ways, such as raw, cooked, pastries, compotes, salads, paired with cheese, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes like pork or black pudding. Apples are also ideal for making excellent juice. They provide a feeling of satiety and are rich in carbohydrates, fructose, vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre, making them a healthy food choice. Apples can be stored throughout the winter until January-February in a cool, dry place, protected from light, at a temperature around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F), or in a cold room, sealed from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F). Apples release ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. Place your apples next to other fruits or vegetables to accelerate their ripening. Apple trees are very popular for their fruits and can be cultivated in gardens. With a wide range of apple trees available, it is easy to find the variety that best suits one's preferences.