Organic Apple Tree Belle fille de la Creuse - Malus domestica

The Malus domestica 'Belle Fille de la Creuse' is an old variety known for producing apples that can be stored for a long time and have excellent taste for various culinary uses. It produces an apple of medium to large size, with variable size depending on the number of fruits on the tree, round in shape, flattened at the base, with a regular outline. The skin, smooth and thin, is yellow, washed with red on three-quarters of the fruit, streaked with dark red on almost the entire surface, with few lenticels. Its white flesh is firm, delicate, crisp, juicy, sweet, without acidity and delicately flavoured. Harvesting begins in October; the fruits can be consumed from the end of November and stored until April-May if the harvest is late and if the storage conditions are optimal. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties to ensure pollination.

The Malus domestica, also known as Malus communis or Malus pumila, is commonly called the Common Apple Tree 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 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 Belle Fille apple tree, also known as Belle Femme, Belle Bourguignonne, has very ancient and poorly known origins from before 1600. There are many variants of 'Belle Fille': from Burgundy, from Indre, from Creuse, from Salins, from Manche, Normande, from Berry. The Belle Fille de la Creuse is found north of Creuse and Haute-Vienne.

The Belle Fille de la Creuse Apple Tree is a spreading tree, reaching approximately 5 metres (16 feet) in height and 4 metres (13 feet) in width when fully grown. Its habit is well suited to low or tall forms and espalier forms. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, greenish-brown on the upper side, whitish-green on the lower side, deeply dentate. The late flowering occurs around early May, which usually protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C. It is suitable for cultivation in all regions with frosts that are not too late. The apple tree is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures around -20 ° and is suitable for cultivation in all regions. Its abundant white flowering, remarkably decorative in spring, is also highly attractive to bees and provides nectar. Despite its vigour, this variety produces poor-quality pollen, making it very weakly capable of pollinating other apple varieties. It produces apples with few or no fertile 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, Jacques Lebel, Jonathan, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette du Mans, Reinette Etoilée, Reinette du Canada blanc, Winston, or any other late-flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. 

The Belle Fille de la Creuse Apple Tree is a vigorous, fertile variety with rapid fruiting. It is extremely productive and reasonably resistant to canker, powdery mildew, and scab. 

A crisp, juicy, and sweet apple that can be enjoyed raw or cooked in compotes, pastries, paired with cheese, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as black pudding, pork, or salads. It is also perfect for making juice. Easy to consume, apples provide an incredible feeling of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, they are invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. Their high content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes apples a health asset. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until April if the harvest is late. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air at 1 to 3°C. Apples release ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. Place your apples next to them to accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables.

Very popular for its fruits, the apple tree is a wonderful addition to any garden, bringing joy to both young and old. With a wide range of apple trees, finding the variety that best suits one's desire is easy.