Organic Apple Tree Winston - Malus domestica

Hardy, self-fertile, and of medium size, Malus domestica 'Winston' is an ideal tree for small gardens while offering a bountiful harvest of apples that can be stored throughout the winter. It produces a round, slightly conical apple of small to medium size, with a smooth, greenish-yellow skin, widely tinted and washed with red when exposed to sunlight. Its white and creamy flesh is firm, fairly fine, crunchy, juicy, and aromatic. In October, at the time of picking, the fruit is slightly acidic but softens during the storage period. It can be consumed until April and is delicious when eaten fresh or cooked in pastries, compotes, and as an accompaniment to many savoury recipes. It is a self-fertile (diploid) variety that is quite productive, but the presence of other apple varieties nearby will improve its production.

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 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 'Winston' Apple Tree was introduced in 1900 by William Pope in Berkshire, a county in southern England located west of London. Originally named 'Winter King', this variety was renamed 'Winston' in 1944, possibly as a tribute to Winston Churchill. It is a crossbreed between the 'Cox's Orange Pippin' and 'Worcester Pearmain' varieties. It was introduced in France in the 1960s.

The 'Winston' Apple Tree is a spreading tree that can reach approximately 5m (16ft) in height and 4m (13ft) in width when fully grown. Its habit is well suited to low or high standards and espalier forms. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves that are greenish-brown on the upper side and whitish-green on the underside, with deeply toothed edges. The pinkish-white flowering occurs in late April, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures between -2 and -3°C. The Winston Apple Tree is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures around -30°C and is suitable for cultivation in many regions, especially the colder ones. Its abundant flowering is remarkably decorative in spring and highly attractive to bees for nectar and pollen. It is partially self-fertile (diploid) and produces a good amount of fruit, but the presence of other apple varieties nearby will improve pollination and therefore production. Varieties such as 'Court Pendu', 'Cox's Orange', 'Golden Delicious', 'Granny Smith', 'Reine des Reinettes', 'Reinette du Mans', 'Reinette Etoilée', 'Gala' or any other mid-late flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. 

The 'Winston' Apple Tree is a vigorous variety with rapid fruiting, high productivity, resistance to scab, canker, and powdery mildew.

The apple can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheese, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as sausage, pork, or salads. It is also perfect for making juice. Easy to consume, the apple provides a feeling of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating and rehydrating. Its high content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes it a health asset. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until April if picked late. They can be stored in a cool, dry place away 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 accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place apples next to them.

Highly 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.