Apple Tree Patte de Loup - Malus domestica

The 'Patte de Loup' apple tree is an old variety, highly prized by lovers of tasty apples. It is a vigorous, fertile, and healthy tree. The fruits have a rather rustic appearance with their rough bronze-coloured skin, but they reveal a very original aromatic palette when tasted. It is also an excellent keeping apple that only deteriorates very slowly despite handling. Harvest takes place in October, but it will continue to ripen on the shelf; enjoy it from December until April.

The apple tree is a member of the Rosaceae family, its presence has been documented in Europe since antiquity. The 'Patte de Loup' variety has very ancient origins and  was already appreciated in the Middle Ages. It is not very susceptible to diseases and withstands wind well. Productivity is very good and consistent. The relatively late flowering occurs between April and May when the most destructive frosts are over. It is self-sterile like many apple trees, the proximity of a good pollinator such as 'Queen of the Pippins', 'Cox's Orange Pippin', or 'Golden Delicious' is perfect. Harvest at the end of October to avoid frosts, but the apples will not reach their ripeness until December or even January. For storage, a cool and well-ventilated room is needed; the ideal temperature is 8°C (46.4°F), a garage or basement is better than a cellar, which is often too humid. The picked, harvested apples should be stored on clean shelves or crates, placed flat with the stem down and ideally separated from each other by a 1 or 2 cm (0 or 1in) gap.

The apples vary in size but remain small; they have thick, rough skin and are marked with scars. Their brownish-bronze colour does not look very appetizing, but 'Patte de Loup' is among the most flavourful apples. The slightly green, yellow flesh has a fine and compact grain and is crisp and sweet, revealing fruity and aniseed notes when eaten raw. It is also very good in pies and compotes; since it ripens late, it will take over from other varieties and ensure a supply of fruit throughout the winter.