Apple Tree Feuilloux - Malus domestica

The apple tree Feuilloux is an old variety, more commonly cultivated in Puy-de-Dôme, known for its taste and the aesthetics of its colorful fruits. It produces a round-shaped apple, slightly flattened, of medium size, fairly regular in shape, slightly nipple-shaped at the top. The thin skin is golden yellow in colour, flushed with bright red when exposed to the sun, covered with brown lenticels. Its pale yellow flesh is semi-tender, juicy, quite sweet, and well-flavored. In October-November, the fruits can be eaten right after harvest and can be stored until March-April if picked late and stored under optimal conditions. It is a delicious eating apple. When cooked, it is appreciated in numerous sweet and savoury recipes or can be transformed into juice. 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 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 around 20,000 varieties, including approximately 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. The Feuilloux Apple Tree, also known as Fouilloux, was introduced to France around 1860. It is cultivated in Auvergne, as well as in Creuse, Haute-Vienne, and Indre.

The Feuilloux Apple Tree is a vigorous fruit tree, fairly resistant to diseases, quick to bear fruit, with a spreading and well-branched habit, giving it a harmonious silhouette. It can reach approximately 5m (16ft) in height and spread at maturity. Its habit is suitable for low or tall forms and espaliers. Its foliage consists of large, ovate, greenish-brown leaves on the upper side and whitish-green on the lower side, deeply toothed. The late flowering occurs around mid-May, which usually protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C. Its abundant and remarkably decorative flowering in spring is also highly attractive to bees and provides nectar. Despite its vigour, this variety produces poor-quality pollen, making it weakly capable of pollinating other apple varieties. It produces apples with few or no viable seeds. It is said to be self-sterile, which is why the presence of apple trees flowering at the same time is necessary. Varieties such as Court Pendu, Jacques Lebel, Jonathan, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette du Mans, Reinette Etoilée, Reinette du Canada blanc, Winston or any other late-flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination.

A juicy and sweet apple that can be enjoyed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheese, or as an accompaniment to savory dishes, with black pudding, pork, or in salads. It is also perfect for making juice or cider. Easy to consume, apples provide a great feeling of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, they are invigorating and rehydrating. Their vitamin A, B, C, and E content, as well as minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, make apples a health asset. The fruits can be stored throughout winter, even until March-April if picked late. Storage can be done in a cool, dry place, protected from light, at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C, or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. Apples produce ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place apples next to them.

Very popular for its fruits, the apple tree finds its place in the garden to the delight of young and old. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits everyone's needs.