Apple Tree Bonne Hotture - Malus domestica

The Good Hotture apple tree is an old variety, more commonly found in Anjou, known for the excellent quality of its fruits, which are resistant to impact and can be stored for a long time. It produces a round-shaped apple, slightly flattened at the poles, with a medium size, thick and rough skin. The green skin turns yellowish when ripe, with light red colouring when exposed to sunlight, punctuated and striated with russet on the periphery, and sprinkled with green-brown in the peduncular cavity. The white flesh is semi-tender, crunchy, juicy, sweet, and pleasantly acidic. In November, the fruits can be consumed immediately after harvest and stored until March if picked late and stored 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.

The 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 has excellent hardiness and is probably Northern Europe's most cultivated fruit tree. 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 Good Hotture apple tree, also known as Bonne Auture or Bonne Hotture, is probably native to Anjou and has been widespread since the late 19th century. André Leroy (1801-1875), an Angevin nurseryman, hypothesized that the name Bonne-Hotture probably came from the fact that it was often transported in baskets carried on men's backs.

The Good Hotture apple tree is a spreading fruit tree with a well-developed structure, giving it a harmonious silhouette. It can reach approximately 5m (16ft) in height and 4m (13ft) in width when fully grown. Its habit is suitable for low or tall forms and espaliers. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, green-brown on the upper side, whitish-green on the lower side, and deeply dentate. The flowering, which occurs in mid-late April, usually avoids frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3 °C (28.4 to 26.6°F). Its abundant flowering is remarkably decorative in spring and highly attractive to bees. Despite its vigour, this variety produces poor-quality pollen, making it very poor at pollinating itself or other apple varieties. It produces apples with few or no fertile seeds. It is said to be self-sterile, which is why it is necessary to have apple trees flowering at the same time. Varieties such as Court Pendu, Cox Orange, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Reinette Clochard, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette Etoilée, Royal Gala, or any other mid-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 Good Hotture apple tree is a moderately vigorous fruit tree with a slow fruiting process, highly fertile, productive, susceptible to scab, but overall resistant to diseases. It is weakly alternate bearing, meaning it produces abundant crops every year.

A juicy and sweet apple that can be consumed raw and cooked in compotes, pastries, paired with cheese, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as black pudding, pork, or salads. It is also perfect for making excellent juice. Easy to consume, apples provide an incredible feeling of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, they are invigorating, energising, and hydrating. Their content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes apples a health asset. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until March, if picked late. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature of 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). Apples release ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. Place other fruits or vegetables next to apples to accelerate the ripening.

The apple tree is a beloved addition to any garden due to its delicious fruits, which are enjoyed by people of all ages. With a wide range of apple tree varieties available, it is easy to find one that suits your preferences.