Apple Tree Chataignier - Malus domestica

Malus domestica Chataignier is a very old variety known for its traditional use in cider production, but also good to eat raw or cooked. It produces a medium-sized, rounded apple, slightly flattened at the base, but sometimes also ovoid-rounded. Its thin and smooth skin is yellow-green, almost entirely washed with pale red, which becomes dark red on the side exposed to the sun. The skin is also speckled with brown in the stem cavity and sparsely dotted with russet lenticels throughout the fruit. Its lightly yellow-tinged, white flesh is fine, crisp, moderately juicy, fairly sweet, and lightly aromatic. The fruits can be consumed immediately after harvesting in November-December and can be stored until March-April if picked late and stored under optimal conditions. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties for pollination.

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 Europe since ancient times, it is native to the forests of Central Asia. It is very hardy and the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are approximately 20,000 varieties, including around 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. The Chatagnier Apple, also known as Winter Chestnut, Musky Chestnut, or De Chastignier, has ancient and poorly known origins. 

The Chataignier Apple is a moderately vigorous, highly fertile, fairly disease-resistant, quick-fruiting tree, with a spreading and well-branched habit, giving it a harmonious silhouette. At maturity, it can reach approximately 5m (16ft) high and 4m (13ft) in spread. Its habit is suitable for both low and tall forms, as well as espalier forms. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, dark green on the upper surface and whitish-green on the lower surface, with deeply toothed margins. Flowering occurs in mid-April, which usually protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by temperatures below -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). Its abundant white flowering is remarkably decorative in spring and highly attractive to bees for its nectar. Despite its vigour, this variety produces poor-quality pollen, making it weakly capable of pollinating other apple varieties. It produces apples with few or no viable seeds. It is considered self-sterile, which is why the presence of apple trees that flower at the same time is necessary. Varieties such as Court Pendu, Cox Orange, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Reinette Clochard, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette du Mans, Reinette Etoilée, Royal Gala, or any other semi-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.

A fragile, juicy, and sweet apple that can be consumed raw or cooked, in fritters, pies, compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as black pudding or pork, as well as in salads. It is also perfect for making juice or cider. Apples are easy to eat and satisfying. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, they are invigorating and rehydrating and their content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes them a healthy choice. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until March-April if harvested late. Store in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F), or in a cold room, sealed against 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 apples next to other fruits and vegetables to accelerate their ripening.

The apple tree is very popular in the garden for its fruits. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find a variety to suit.