Apple Tree Szara Reneta - Malus domestica

The 'Szara Reneta' apple tree is a very old variety of French origin. Vigorous, hardy and resistant to diseases, it has strong resistance to scab and powdery mildew, but can be susceptible to bacterial canker. It produces distinctive apples, ideal for cooking and equally delicious as a dessert apple, with good storage qualities. The fairly large fruits, 7 to 10 cm in diameter, spherical and flattened in shape, have rough greenish-grey skin. The flesh is greenish-yellow, crisp and juicy, with a characteristic spicy and slightly tart flavour. This is a highly aromatic apple. Being self-sterile, it requires the presence of other apple varieties to improve pollination.

Malus domestica, also scientifically 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 a fruit tree originating from the forests of Central Asia. Its hardiness is excellent, and it is undoubtedly the most widely cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are approximately 20,000 varieties, with around 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin and 2,000 of Chinese origin.

Malus domestica 'Szara Reneta' is also known as 'Grey Renata'. It is an old variety, which was classified among cultivated varieties in 1865, although it was first mentioned before 1650. This Apple Tree forms a spreading tree that can reach approximately 4 to 5 m in height and 3 to 4 m in spread when mature. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, brownish-green on top, greenish-white underneath, deeply toothed. The mid-late flowering occurs in May, which generally protects it from frost. Apple trees are therefore suitable for cultivation in all regions. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C. It is a self-sterile variety, which is why the presence of other apple trees flowering at the same time is necessary. The varieties Idared, Elstar, Golden Delicious and Reine des reinettes are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, Malus Perpetu Evereste and John Downie flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The 'Szara Reneta' apple tree is a vigorous variety, quick to bear fruit, very productive, biennially bearing, meaning it produces abundantly every other year. The uniform and abundant apples ripen between mid-September and early October. It is a storage apple, with ideal ripeness from December onwards, and can be stored until March. The apple can be eaten both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, such as black pudding, pork or in salads. It is also perfect for making juice. Easy to consume, the apple provides great satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is tonic, energising and rehydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C and E, minerals, antioxidants and fibre makes the apple a healthy choice. The fruits can be stored for part of the winter in a cool, dry place, away from light at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, airtight to outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. The apple releases ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To speed up the ripening of your other fruits or vegetables, place your apples right next to them.

The apple tree is very popular thanks to its fruits, and is used in the garden for the enjoyment of young and old alike. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits your preferences.