Apple Tree Grenadine - Blood Apple

Malus domestica 'Grenadine' is a variety that produces beautiful medium-sized apples, with a round shape, and a fairly regular appearance. The skin is smooth and shiny, with yellow lenticels scattered throughout. The flesh is a pinkish-red colour. It is crisp, semi-firm, moderately juicy, slightly sweet, and rather tart. The fruits can be consumed as soon as they are harvested in October. The apples can be stored until February if the harvest is late and storage conditions are optimal. The apples are acidic when harvested, but this acidity diminishes with storage. Whether eaten raw or cooked, they provide flavour and colour. Like all apples, they have good nutritional qualities with a high antioxidant content. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties nearby to increase fruit production.

Malus domestica, scientifically also known as Malus communis or Malus pumila, is commonly called the common or domestic apple tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. It has been present in Europe since ancient times, and is native to the forests of Central Asia. It has excellent hardiness 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. 'Grenadine' has its origins in Asia. It is a recent variety, selected for the unique and nutritional qualities of its red fruits.

'Grenadine' is a fairly vigorous and productive tree, with a quick fruiting period. It is resistant to scab. When fully grown, it reaches approximately 4m (13ft) in height and has a spread of 3.5m (11ft). Its semi-erect habit, with spreading branches, is ideal for low or high standards and espalier forms. The large oval leaves are greenish-brown on top, whitish-green underneath, and deeply toothed. The pink flowering occurs in late April, which usually protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by temperatures below -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). 'Grenadine' is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures close to -20°C (-4°F), making it suitable for cultivation in many regions. Its abundant flowering is remarkably decorative in spring, and is particularly attractive to bees. It produces poor quality pollen, making it very weakly self-pollinating or 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 that flower at the same time is necessary. Varieties such as 'Cox Orange', 'Elstar', 'Golden Delicious', 'Granny Smith', 'Reine des Reinettes', 'Royal Gala' or any other mid-late flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, such as 'Perpetu Evereste' and 'John Downie' flower profusely and can be excellent pollinators.

The tart and colourful apples can be eaten raw or cooked, in compotes and pastries, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes. The apples are perfect for making colourful juice. They have a high content of anthocyanins, which are natural pigments that give it its red colour and have recognised antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, and fibre. The fruits can be stored throughout winter, even until February if the harvest is late. Storage can be done in a cool, dry place, protected from light at a temperature 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). Apples release ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of your other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them

Apple trees are some of the most popular fruit trees for our gardens. There is such a wide range of apple trees that it is easy to find the right one for you.