Apple Tree Reinette Clochard - Malus domestica

'Reinette Clochard' is an old variety of apple tree. It is hardy and productive. It bears excellent dessert apples that will keep very well until spring. The rough skin gives a somewhat rustic appearance to this fruit, but the sweet and tangy flesh is a real delight. Far from lacking in character, it remains mild and fragrant. Harvest takes place in November.

Malus domestica is native to Europe. 'Reinette Clochard' is an old variety, claimed to originate from the commune of Secondigny in the Deux-Sèvres region.

The tree provides fairly high, regular, and uniform productivity. The white flowering occurs in April, after the most destructive frosts have already occurred. This apple tree grows well even in medium mountain regions. It is self-sterile, so the presence of apple trees with overlapping flowering periods is necessary. The varieties 'Golden Delicious', 'Granny Smith', and 'Queen of the Pippins' are suitable pollinators. Harvest takes place in November. The fruits can be consumed until March, and even longer if storage conditions are optimal. Store the apples in a cool and well-ventilated room, with an ideal temperature of 8°C (46.4°F). A garage or a basement is preferable to a cellar, which is often too humid. Place the harvested apples on clean shelves or crates, placed flat with the stem down, ideally separated from each other by 1 or 2cm (1in).

The medium-sized fruits are round and slightly flattened. The skin colour is golden yellow, marked by small bronze spots that give the overall appearance a rough texture. The fruits sometimes develop a slight pink tint in the sun. The white-yellow flesh is fine and crisp, with a sweet and tangy taste. Above all, it is pleasantly fragrant with a very gentle flavour of its own.

These apples are particularly good for eating fresh. They can also be used in pastries, jams, and jellies, or in savoury dishes.