Organic Apple Tree Reinette Grand-mere -Malus domestica

Malus domestica, also known as Reinette Grand-mère, is an ancient variety that was widely grown in the first half of the 20th century. It is worth rediscovering for the quality of its fruits and ease of cultivation. It produces a round, slightly flattened, fairly regular, medium to large sized apple with smooth skin. The skin is light yellow, completely washed and striped with pink and red and covered with numerous brown lenticels. The white flesh is tender, crisp, juicy, sweet and well-flavoured. The fruits can be consumed immediately after harvesting in November or stored until March-April, if picked late and stored under optimal conditions. It is a delicious eating apple. When cooked, it is loved 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 commonly called the Common or Domestic Apple Tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. It has been present in Europe since ancient times and is native to the forests of Central Asia. It has excellent hardiness 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 Grand-mère Apple Tree is also known as Reinette Grand-mère, Faux Canada d'Anjou, or Jaune d'Anjou.

The Grand-mère Apple Tree is a fairly large fruit tree, with a spreading and well-branched habit, giving it a harmonious silhouette. It can reach approximately 5m (16ft) high and 5m (16ft) wide at maturity. Its habit is suitable for low or tall forms and espalier forms. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves which are greenish-brown on the upper surface and whitish-green on the lower, and deeply toothed. The semi-late flowering occurs around the end of April, 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). Its very abundant blossom is remarkably decorative in spring and particularly attractive to bees and nectar-seeking insects. Despite its vigour, this variety produces poor-quality pollen, making it very weak in 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. The varieties 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 is suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, such as Perpetu Evereste and John Downie, flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The Grand-mère Apple Tree is a very vigorous variety, with rapid fruiting, high productivity, easy picking, and good resistance to diseases. It is moderately alternate-bearing, meaning it can produce abundantly every other year.

A juicy and sweet apple that can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes with sausage, pork, or in salads. It is also perfect for making juice or cider. Apples are satisfying and easy to eat. It is rich in carbohydrates and fructose, invigorating, energising, and hydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes the apple a healthy choice. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until March-April if picked late. Store 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, airtight to the outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F). The apple produces ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. Place apples next to other fruits and vegetables to accelerate their ripening.

The apple tree is popular in gardens due to its fruits. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits.