Apple Tree Reinette de France - Malus domestica

Malus domestica 'Reinette de France' is a late-flowering variety, avoiding damaging spring frosts. It is an old and hardy variety, originating from Hauts-de-France and Wallonia. The 'Reinette de France' apple is round and medium-sized, with dull, rough, yellowish-grey skin marbled with pinkish-red on the sunny side. Its flesh is white-yellow, firm, crisp, juicy, sweet, and delicately fragrant. In October, the fruits can be consumed immediately after harvest and can be stored until April if picked late. Pleasantly tart and rich in sugar, it is a delicious apple to enjoy throughout winter. Excellent in pies, compotes, or pan-fried, this apple is also highly appreciated in savoury recipes. Recognised for its excellent taste qualities, it is one of the best Reinette varieties. This self-sterile variety requires the presence of other apple varieties for pollination.

Malus domestica is commonly called the common or domestic apple tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. It has been present in Europe since ancient times, and 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 approximately 20,000 varieties, including around 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. 'Reinette de France' is an old variety.

'Reinette de France' forms a compact, bushy tree that can be easily trained on a central axis with branches contained within a moderate volume for a harmonious silhouette. It reaches approximately 4m (13ft) in height and 3.5m (11ft) in spread. Its habit is well-suited to low or tall forms and espaliers. It is vigorous in its early years, but it becomes less so as it starts bearing fruit. Its deeply dentate foliage consists of large, ovate leaves that are greenish-brown on the upper side and whitish-green on the underside. The late flowering occurs around the end of April, which usually protects it from frosts. The flowers are destroyed by frosts of -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). It is suitable for cultivation in regions with late spring frosts. Despite its vigour, it 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', 'Court Pendu Rouge', 'Baguette d'Hiver', 'Reine des Reinettes', 'Reinette du Mans', 'Reinette Etoilée', or any other variety with a very late flowering are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees such as 'Perpetu Evereste' and 'John Downie' bloom abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

'Reinette de France' is a vigorous variety that is very productive with rapid fruiting. It is resistant to scab, moderately susceptible to powdery mildew, and sensitive to fire blight.

Apples can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes with pork, or in salads. They are rich in carbohydrates and fructose, and are invigorating and rehydrating. They boast a high content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. The fruits can be stored throughout winter, even until May if picked late. Store 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, sealed off 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. To accelerate the ripening of your other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

Apple trees are some of the most popular for our gardens. There is such a wide range of apple trees that it is easy to find the right one for you.