Apple Tree Reinette Blanche de Chatellerault - Malus domestica

The Reinette Blanche de Chatellerault apple tree is an old, productive variety that is not widespread, but has many advantages. It produces a round, flattened, fairly regular, small to medium apple with smooth, green-yellow skin, washed and streaked with pink when exposed to sunlight. The skin is marked with brown lenticels and a brownish spot around the stem. Its pale yellow-white flesh is tender, with a fairly coarse texture, crisp, moderately juicy, mildly sweet, and slightly acidic. In October, the fruits can be eaten immediately after harvest or can be stored until February-March if picked late and stored in optimal conditions. It is a delicious eating apple and is also great in pastries. 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. Present in Europe since ancient times, it is native to the forests of central Asia. It is very hardy and is probably 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 Reinette Blanche de Chatellerault apple tree has somewhat unknown origins. It is an old variety, typical and characteristic of the southern Touraine and northern Vienne regions.

The Reinette Blanche de Chatellerault apple tree is a moderately vigorous tree with a compact, bushy habit that can be easily trained on a central axis with branches contained within a moderate size for a harmonious silhouette. It reaches approximately 4m (13ft) high and 3.50m (11ft) wide. Its habit is suitable for low or tall forms and espaliers. Its foliage is composed of large, ovate leaves which are dark green on top and whitish-green underneath and deeply toothed. The late blossom occurs towards the end of April, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C. Despite its vigour, it produces poor-quality pollen, making it only weakly capable of 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 flower at the same time is necessary. Varieties such as Court Pendu, Cox Orange, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette du Mans, Reinette Etoilée, and Royal Gala, or any other late-flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees such as Perpetu Evereste and  John Downie flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The Reinette Blanche de Chatellerault apple tree is a moderately vigorous variety, quick fruiting, very productive, not very susceptible to canker in clayey soil, and fairly resistant to diseases.

The apple can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes and pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as black pudding or pork, or in salads. The apple is easy to eat and satisfying. It is rich in carbohydrates and fructose, invigorating, energising and rehydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes it a healthy choice. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until March if harvested late. Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light, at a temperature 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 your apples next to them.

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