Organic Apple Tree Chailleux - Malus domestica

The Chailleux apple tree is a very old variety, widespread in Brittany, known for its good adaptability in this region and for its apples of excellent taste with numerous culinary uses. It produces a medium to large-sized apple, round in shape, sometimes slightly conical. The skin is yellow, washed with carmine red and marbled with russet, widely speckled with brown near the eye and the stem. The white-yellow flesh is fine, tender, juicy, sweet, and pleasantly acidic. In October, the fruits can be consumed from harvest and can be stored until March if the picking is late and the storage conditions are optimal. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple tree 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 is highly hardy and is probably the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are approximately 20,000 varieties, including about 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. The Chailleux apple tree, known as Drap d'Or, Reinette de Melesse, and Reinette Vermeille de Bretagne, is native to Nozay in Loire-Atlantique. In 1869, it was submitted to the Paris Horticultural Society and the Pomological Congress, which highly recommended it. This variety can be found in the Gallo region of Brittany.

The Chailleux apple tree has a spreading, weeping habit with drooping branches, reaching approximately 5 to 6 m (16 to 20ft) in height and 4 m (13ft) in spread at maturity. Its habit is suitable for low or tall forms and espalier forms. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, greenish-brown on the upper side, whitish-green on the lower side, and is deeply toothed. The flowering, occurring in mid-April, is usually protected from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost from -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). This variety is suitable for cultivation in all regions with frosts that are not too late. The apple tree is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures around -20°C (-4°F) and is suitable for cultivation in all regions. Its abundant white flowering is remarkably decorative in spring and highly attractive to bees. Despite its vigour, it is a variety that produces poor-quality pollen, making it weakly capable of pollinating other apple varieties. It produces apples with few or no fertile seeds. It is said to be self-sterile, so apple trees that flower simultaneously are necessary. Varieties such as Court Pendu, Cox Orange, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette du Mans, Reinette Etoilée, Royal Gala, or any other semi-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 Chailleux apple tree is a vigorous variety, highly fertile, fast-fruiting, very productive, somewhat sensitive to fruit drop, moderately sensitive to aphids, and relatively resistant to bacterial canker and scab. It is moderately biennially bearing and can produce abundantly every other year.

A crispy, juicy, and sweet apple that can be consumed raw or cooked in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as blood sausage, pork, or salads. It is also perfect for making juice or cider. Easy to consume, the apple provides excellent satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it invigorates, energises, and rehydrates. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre make the apple 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 off from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F). The apple releases ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. Place your apples next to them to speed up the ripening of other fruits or vegetables.

Very popular for its fruits, the apple tree finds its rightful place in the garden to delight both young and old. Finding the best variety for you could not be more straightforward among a wide range of apple trees.