Red-fleshed Apple Tree Blush Rosette - Malus domestica

The Blush Rosette apple tree is a variety of strong growth, producing beautiful apples, round in shape, fairly regular, medium to large in size, with smooth skin, of a bright red colour. Its flesh, red marbled with white cream, is crisp, semi-firm, juicy, sweet and tart. In October the fruits can be eaten right after harvest. It is an invigorating and refreshing apple, delicious to eat straight from the tree or to use in pastries, compotes or juice. Like all apples, it has very good nutritional qualities with a high content of antioxidants. It is a self-fertile variety (diploid) that fertilises fairly well, but the presence of other apple varieties nearby will improve production.

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 antiquity, it is a fruit tree native to the forests of central Asia. It is highly hardy and is likely 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 Blush Rosette apple tree was selected in the United States by Albert Etter (1872-1950), an American breeder. Around 1944, he used the 'Surprise' variety as the genetic base to create this new range of high-quality red-fleshed table apples. Then somewhat forgotten, it was subsequently distributed by Greenmantle Nursery, a nursery located in Garberville, California, in the 1970s.

The Blush Rosette apple tree is a vigorous tree with rapid fruiting, productive, and resistant to scab. It can reach approximately 4 metres (13 feet) in height and 3 metres (10 feet) in width when fully grown. Its spreading habit is well-suited to low or high stems and espalier forms. Its foliage consists of leaves that are large, oval, greenish-brown on the upper side and whitish-green on the underside, with deeply toothed edges. The pink flowering occurs around mid-April, which can make it susceptible to spring frosts. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures of -2 to -3°C. The Blush Rosette apple tree is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures around -20°C, making it suitable for cultivation in most regions. Its abundant flowering, remarkably decorative in spring, is particularly attractive to bees and butterflies. It is a partially self-fertile variety (diploid) that fertilises fairly well, but the presence of other apple varieties nearby will improve pollination and therefore production. Varieties like Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Reine des Reinettes, Transparente de Croncels, Winter Banana, or any other early-flowering variety, are suitable for cross-pollination.

A tangy and colourful apple that can be eaten raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes. It is also perfect for making richly coloured juice. It has a high content of anthocyanins, natural pigments that give it its red colour and possess recognised antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, its vitamin A, B, C, and E content, as well as minerals and fibre, make this apple a health asset. With a short storage life, it is best to harvest and consume this variety when the fruits first ripen.

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 your tastes.