Apple Tree Korobówka - Malus domestica

The Apple Tree 'Korobówka' (or 'Pierre Le Grand') is an old variety originating from Crimea that was introduced to France in 1853. It is a so-called 'harvesting apple', meaning ripens at the same time as wheat or oat harvests. It ripens from early August. The fruits are small, weighing around 60 g, slightly flattened, yellow in colour with strong dark red streaks. The flesh is yellowish, dense, firm, and crisp, with a very pleasant, slightly spicy, mildly tangy sweet and sugary flavour. It is said to have a honey-like taste and an exquisite aroma. Self-sterile, it requires the presence of other apple tree varieties to improve pollination.

The Malus domestica Korobówka is an old variety also known as Pierre le Grand, Mieduniczka, Renetka. The tree forms a pyramidal crown when young. The crown of older trees takes on a broad, rounded shape. At maturity, it can reach approximately 4 to 5 m in height with a spread of 3 to 4 m. The variety is frost-resistant but susceptible to scab. Its foliage consists of large, ovate, deeply dentate, brownish-green leaves on top, greenish-white underneath. The semi-late flowering occurs in early May, which usually protects it from frost. The apple tree is thus suitable for cultivation in all regions. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C. It is said to be self-sterile, which is why the presence of apple trees that flower 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, Winter Banana or any other semi-late flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees suh as the Malus Perpetu Evereste and John Downie flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The Korobówka Apple Tree is a fairly vigorous variety. Up to 70 kg of apples can be harvested from a single crop. The homogeneous and abundant fruits ripen between August and September.

The apples can be eaten both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as black pudding, pork, or in salads. Easy to consume, these apples provide great satiety.

The apples can be stored for part of the winter. Storage can be done in a cool, dry place, away from light at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room airtight to external air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. The apples releases ethene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To speed up the ripening of your other fruit or vegetables, place your apples right next to them.

Very popular thanks to its fruits, this apple tree will find its perfect place in the garden for the enjoyment of young and old alike. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits your wishes.