Apple Tree Pigeonnet de Jerusalem - Malus domestica

Malus domestica Jerusalem Pigeonnet is a rustic and vigorous, old variety, with rapid and very fertile fruiting. It produces a conical, fairly regular shape, medium to large apple with smooth, greenish-yellow skin striped with carmine red when exposed to the sun, with few lenticels. The flesh is white, fairly firm, fine, dense, crunchy, juicy, subtly sweet and tart, with exquisite aromas. In October-November, the fruits can be consumed immediately after harvest or can be stored until February-March if picked late and stored in optimal conditions. Pleasantly fragrant and rich in sugar, it is an invigorating and refreshing apple. 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 Europe since antiquity, it is native to the forests of Central Asia. It is very hardy 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. The Jerusalem Pigeonnet variety, also known as Gros Pigeonnet or Cœur de Pigeon, was first described by Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie (1626-1688), a French agronomist, in his book "Instruction pour les jardins fruitiers et potagers" published in 1690. It is said that this apple was named Jerusalem because its seeds, instead of being divided into five compartments, only have four in a cross shape.

The Jerusalem Pigeonnet Apple Tree is an upright, bushy tree with spreading branches and can easily be trained on a central axis contained within a moderate size. It reaches approximately 5m (16ft) high and 4m (13ft) wide at maturity. Its growth habit is suitable for both low and tall forms and espalier forms. Its foliage consists of oval-elongated leaves which are light green on the upper surface and greyish-green on the lower, with weakly toothed edges. The late blossom usually occurs in early May, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures from -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). Despite its vigour, this variety produces poor-quality pollen, making it less capable of pollinating other apple varieties. It produces apples with few or no fertile 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 Court Pendu, Calville Rouge, Golden Delicious, Reinette Clochard, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette du Mans, Royal Gala, Winston, or any other late-flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, such as Perpetu Evereste and John Downie, bloom abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The apple can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, in pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as black pudding, pork, or salads. It is also perfect for making juice. An apple is easy to eat and satisfying. It is rich in carbohydrates and fructose, invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes the apple a healthy choice. The fruits can be stored throughout the winter, even until March if picked late. Store in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F), or in a cold room, sealed 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. To accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

Apple trees are very popular in gardens because of their fruits. Among the wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that suits.