Organic Apple Tree Reinette dAnjou - Malus domestica

Hardy and vigorous, Malus domestica 'Reinette d'Anjou' is an old variety, highly productive, not very common, but deserves to be known for its many advantages. It produces a round-shaped apple, fairly regular, of medium to large size, with smooth, fairly thick, green-yellow skin, marked with brown dots and spots, slightly flushed with pink when exposed to sunlight. Its white-yellow flesh is firm, fairly fine, crunchy, juicy, subtly sweet and tart. In October-November, the fruits can be consumed straight after harvest and can be stored until March-April if harvested late and stored under optimal conditions. Pleasantly fragrant and rich in sugar, it is a delicious eating apple, and when cooked, it is appreciated in pastries, compotes, and as an accompaniment to savory dishes. 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 commonly called the Common or Domestic Apple Tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Present in France and Europe since antiquity, 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 'Reinette d'Anjou' apple tree has somewhat unknown origins. It is an old variety, typical and characteristic of the regions of Ile-et-Vilaine, Loire-Atlantique, and Anjou.

The 'Reinette d'Anjou' apple tree is a compact, bushy tree that is easily trained on a central axis with branches contained within a moderate volume for a harmonious silhouette. It reaches approximately 4 metres (13 feet) in height and 3.50 metres (11 feet) in width. Its growth habit is suitable for low or tall forms and espaliers. Its foliage consists of large, ovate, dark green leaves on top and whitish-green underneath, deeply toothed. The flowering, which occurs in mid-April, usually protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures ranging from -2 to -3 °C. Despite its vigour, it produces poor quality pollen, making it weakly capable of pollinating other apple varieties. It produces apples with few or no fertile seeds. It is considered 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', 'Reine des Reinettes', 'Reinette du Mans', 'Reinette Etoilée', 'Royal Gala' or any other mid-late flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, such as Malus 'Evereste' and 'John Downie', flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The 'Reinette d'Anjou' apple tree is a vigorous variety, with quick fruiting, highly productive, and highly resistant to diseases.

The apple 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 is also perfect for making juice. Easy to consume, the apple provides a great feeling of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating and rehydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber makes it a health asset. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until March if harvested late. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light at a temperature of around 8 to 10 °C, or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3 °C. Apples release ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

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