Organic Apple Tree Astrakhan Rouge - Malus domestica

The 'Red Astrakan' apple tree is an old variety, highly productive, offering the first apples of the season. It produces an apple with an irregularly globular shape, slightly flattened at both ends, of medium to large size. The skin, quite thick, is yellowish-green with abundant marbling, washed and streaked with carmine red, and dotted with numerous grey spots. Its white flesh is fine, semi-tender, juicy, sweet and tangy, with a delicate aroma. To preserve all the flavours and qualities of the fruit, it is advisable to pick them as they ripen, as they spoil quickly. The fruits can be consumed from late July to October if stored under optimal conditions. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties for pollination. A cold-resistant variety, suitable for cultivation at high altitudes.

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 France and Europe since ancient times, it is a fruit tree native to the forests of Central Asia. It is highly hardy and is undoubtedly 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 'Red Astrakan' apple, also known as 'Moisson Rouge', 'Rouge hâtive d'Astracan', or 'Vermillon d'été', is an old variety that the pomologist George Lindley claimed, in 1831, originated from Astrakan, a city in Russia located north of the Caspian Sea.

The 'Red Astrakan' apple tree is a semi-erect and well-branched fruit tree, reaching approximately 5 metres (16 feet) in height and 4 metres (13 feet) in width at maturity. Its habit is suitable for both low and tall forms, as well as espalier forms. Its foliage consists of large, ovate, dark green leaves on top and whitish-green underneath, deeply toothed. The flowering, which is semi-late, occurs around early May, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures from -2 to -3°C. The Apple tree is a hardy plant that tolerates temperatures around -20°C, making it suitable for cultivation in all regions. Its white flowering is abundant and remarkably decorative in spring, and it is particularly rich in nectar and pollen. However, despite its vigour, it produces poor-quality pollen and is therefore not very effective in 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 'Court Pendu', 'Cox's Orange Pippin', 'Golden Delicious', 'Granny Smith', 'Reinette Clochard', 'Reine des Reinettes', 'Reinette du Mans', 'Reinette Etoilée', 'Royal Gala', and 'Winter Banana', or any other semi-late flowering variety, are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees such as 'Evereste' and 'John Downie' flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The 'Red Astrakan' apple tree is moderately vigorous, highly fertile, quick to bear fruit, highly productive, and resistant to pests and diseases, despite being slightly susceptible to scab.

A juicy apple with a tart flavour that can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as black pudding, pork, or salads. It can also be transformed into juice. Easy to consume, the apple provides a feeling of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating, energizing, and hydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes the apple a health asset. The fruits can be stored for approximately 3 months, until October, if stored in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, sealed from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. Apples release ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To speed up the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place your apples nearby.

Very popular due to its fruits, the apple tree finds its rightful place in the garden for the enjoyment of both young and old. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits one's desires.