Organic Apple Tree Bondon - Malus domestica

Malus domestica Bondon is an ancient variety. This fruit tree produces a conical-shaped apple, of medium size, slightly dented around its circumference. The slightly rough, straw-yellow skin is washed with pink and streaked with vermilion red when exposed to sunlight, with few lenticels. Its white flesh, turning yellowish when ripe, is tender, crisp, juicy, sweet, slightly acidic, and well-flavoured. The harvesting period ranges from late September to late October, and the fruits can be consumed from late November and can be stored until April, if the harvesting is late and the storage is done under optimal conditions. It is a delicious apple to eat raw. When cooked, it is appreciated in many sweet and savoury recipes. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties for pollination.

Malus domestica, also known as Malus communis or Malus pumila, is the Common or Domestic Apple Tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Present in 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 approximately 20,000 varieties, including around 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. The Bondon Apple Tree has very ancient and little known origins. Its French name probably comes from its conical shape, somewhat like a barrel bung.

The Bondon Apple Tree is a spreading and well-branched fruit tree, reaching approximately 5 metres (16 feet) in height and 4 metres (13 feet) in spread at maturity. Its habit is suitable for low or tall forms and espaliers. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves that are dark green on the upper side and pale green on the lower side, with deeply dentate edges. The semi-late flowering occurs around early May, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). The Apple Tree is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures around -20°C (-4°F) and is suitable for cultivation in most regions. Its white flowering is very abundant, remarkably decorative in spring, and particularly attractive to bees for its nectar. 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 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 Orange, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Reinette Clochard, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette du Mans, Reinette Etoilée, Royal Gala, or any other semi-late flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees such as Perpetu Evereste and John Downie bloom abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The Bondon Apple Tree is a moderately vigorous variety, fertile, with rapid fruiting, very productive, and resistant to diseases, particularly scab. It is moderately alternate-bearing, meaning it can produce an abundance of fruit every other year.

A juicy and sweet apple that can be consumed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, with black pudding, pork, or in salads. It is also perfect for making juice or cider. Easy to consume, the apple provides a great feeling of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating, energising, and hydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre make the apple a health asset. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until March-April if the harvesting is late. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F) or in a cold room, sealed from 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.

Very popular thanks to its fruit, the apple tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old alike. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits one's taste.