Apple Tree Red Merylinn - Malus domestica

The Red Merylinn apple tree is a recent variety that produces a round, fairly regular, medium to large, blood-red apple with smooth, brilliant red skin. Its intense red flesh is crisp, moderately juicy, mildly sweet, and rather tart. From mid-September the fruits can be consumed immediately after harvest or can be stored until February if picked late and stored under optimal conditions. It is a slightly acidic apple raw, but it develops its flavours when cooked. Like all apples, it has good nutritional qualities with a high antioxidant content. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties nearby to increase the number of fruits.

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 antiquity, it is native to the forests of central Asia. It has excellent hardiness and is probably the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. 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 blood apple tree has its origins in Asia. Red Merylinn is a recent variety selected for the uniqueness and nutritional qualities of its red fruits.

The Red Merylinn apple is a moderately vigorous tree, with a quick fruiting period, moderately productive, and resistant to scab. At maturity, it can reach approximately 4 metres (13 feet) high and 3 metres (10 feet) wide. Its spreading habit is well suited to low or high standards and espalier forms. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, greenish-brown on the upper surface and whitish-green on the underside, with deeply toothed edges. The white-pink blossom occurs around late April, which usually protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C. The Red Merylinn apple tree is a hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures around -20°C, making it suitable for cultivation in many regions. Its abundant and remarkably decorative blossom in spring is particularly attractive to bees and provides nectar. It is a variety that produces poor-quality pollen, making it weakly self-pollinating or pollinating. It produces apples with few or no viable 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 Cox Orange, Golden Delicious, Reine des Reinettes, Royal Gala, or any other 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.

It is a slightly tart apple, best eaten cooked in compotes, pastries, or as a side dish for savoury dishes. It is also perfect for making highly coloured juice. It has a high anthocyanin content and natural pigments that give it its red colour and have recognised antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, its high content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, and fibre make this apple a healthy choice. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until February if harvested late. Store in a cool, clean place, protected from light at a temperature around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. The apple releases ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

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