Apple Tree Gravenstein - Malus domestica

Malus domestica 'Gravenstein' is moderately vigorous. It fruits quickly, producing round apples that are golden yellow with red marbling when ripe. Their flesh is white-yellow, fine, juicy, highly aromatic, and of excellent quality. These apples are simply delicious! Harvest takes place in September and the fruits can be stored until November. This variety is not self-fertile. It has very good cold resistance. It is resistant to canker, but susceptible to other diseases. It can be grown up to an altitude of 800m (2625ft).

Apple trees belong to the Rosaceae family. They have been found in Europe since antiquity. 'Gravenstein' is believed to have originated in Denmark, where it was cultivated around 1670. After that, it was found at Gravenstein Castle, which gave it its name, in Germany around 1760. 

'Gravenstein' is an upright tree, giving it a very elegant and slender appearance. It is very productive, so it will need to be thinned out to avoid small fruit size and the occurrence of diseases. Its cold resistance makes it suitable for cultivation in northern regions of Europe, as well as in mountainous areas up to 800m (2625ft) altitude.

Its foliage is composed of very large, ovate leaves, which are slightly fuzzy and greenish-brown on top, whitish-green underneath. They are deeply toothed.

Flowering occurs in early March. The flowers are not affected by frost, making this tree suitable for cultivation in all regions. It is self-sterile, so requires the presence of other apple trees that bloom at the same time. The varieties 'Borowitsky', 'Reine des Reinettes', and 'Alkmene' are the most suitable.

Fruiting is early. It begins in September and the apples will keep fresh (in a cellar or refrigerator) until November. The round apples are golden yellow with red marbling when ripe. Their delicious flesh is white-yellow, fine, juicy, highly aromatic, and of excellent quality.

These apples are particularly delicious to eat as they are or in compotes. They can also be used in pastries, cooked dishes, jams, jellies, and in savoury dishes.