Apple Tree Redford - Malus domestica

Malus domestica Redford is a variety of medium growth, producing fairly large apples, with a fairly regular rounded shape, and smooth, bright red skin. Its flesh is marbled with white cream, crisp, semi-firm, moderately juicy, slightly sweet and rather acidic. From October, the fruits can be eaten as soon as they are harvested and can be stored until February if the harvest is late and the storage conditions are optimal. It is a slightly acidic apple to be enjoyed raw, but it develops its flavours when cooked. Like all apples, it has good nutritional qualities with a high content of antioxidants. 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 ancient times, it is native to the forests of Central Asia. It is very hardy and is probably 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 Redford Apple Tree was selected in the United States in 1924 and introduced in 1938. It is a cross between Malus pumila Wolf River and Malus pumila Niedzwetzkyana.

The Redford Apple Tree is a moderately vigorous tree, with rapid fruiting, moderately productive and resistant to scab. It can reach approximately 4m (13ft) high and 3m (10ft) wide when fully grown. Its spreading habit is well suited to low or high stems and espalier forms. Its foliage consists of large, deeply toothed, ovate leaves, dark green on the upper side and light green on the lower side. The pink blossom occurs around mid-April, which usually protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). The Redford Apple Tree is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures around -20°C (-4°F), making it suitable for cultivation in many regions. Its very abundant and remarkably decorative blossom in spring is particularly nectar-rich. It is a variety that produces poor-quality pollen, making it only weakly capable of self-pollination or pollinating other apple varieties. It produces apples with few or no viable seeds. It is said to be self-sterile, which is why the presence of apple trees that bloom at the same time is necessary. Varieties such as Cox Orange, Elstar, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Reine des Reinettes, Royal Gala, or any other mid-late flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, such as Perpetu Evereste and John Downie, have abundant flowering and can be excellent pollinators.

It is a slightly acidic apple that is best eaten cooked, in compotes, pastries, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes. It is also perfect for making pink-coloured juices or cocktails. Its high content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes the apple a healthy choice. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until February if the harvest is late, in a cool, clean place, protected from light at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F), or in a cold room, airtight to the outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F). 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 for its fruit. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits you.