Apple Tree Reinette Etoilée - Malus domestica

Hardy and vigorous, the Malus domestica Reinette Etoilée is an old variety with a late flowering, which protects it from spring frosts. It produces an apple with a round shape, of medium to large size, with a smooth, shiny, crimson red skin, abundantly speckled with gold-white star-shaped dots all over the surface. Its flesh is white, sometimes pink, firm, crisp, becoming mealy, juicy, sweet, and slightly aromatic. In September, the fruits can be eaten right after harvesting and can be stored until December or even January if kept in a cold room. Pleasantly fragrant and rich in sugar, it is a delicious eating apple throughout autumn. Excellent in pies, compotes, or sautés, this Reinette is also highly appreciated in savory recipes. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties for pollination.

The 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 France and Europe since ancient times, it is a fruit tree native to the forests of Central Asia. It is highly hardy and probably the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are about 20,000 varieties, including approximately 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. The Reinette Etoilée Apple tree, also known as the Red Star Reinette, Belle Etoilée, Calville Etoilée, Sterappel, or Sternrenette, is an old variety, first described in 1830, with uncertain origins, either from Liège or St-Trond in Belgium, or from the Maastricht region in the Netherlands. It is quite common in the regions of Hauts-de-France and Wallonia in Belgium.

The Reinette Etoilée Apple tree is a tree with a very upright habit, of medium size (5m (16ft) in height by 4m (13ft) in spread), with a fairly sparse and somewhat lanky branching structure. The young branches are long and slender. Its habit is suitable for both tall and low forms, as well as espalier forms. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, dark green on the upper side and pale green on the lower side, deeply toothed. The late white-pink flowering occurs towards the end of April, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures from -2 to -3°C. It is a variety suitable for cultivation in regions with late spring frosts. Despite its vigor, it produces poor-quality pollen, making it very weakly 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, Court Pendu Rouge, Cox's Orange Pippin, Double Belle fleur, Elstar, Golden Delicious, Transparent Jaune, or any other late-flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, such as Perpetu Evereste and John Downie flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The Reinette Etoilée Apple tree is a vigorous variety, with a somewhat slow fruiting, but becomes very productive over time, resistant to canker and moderately resistant to scab.

The apple can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savory dishes, such as with black pudding, pork, or in salads. It is also perfect for making juice. Easy to consume, the apple provides a great feeling of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating and rehydrating. Its vitamin A, B, C, and E content, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber make it a health asset. The fruits can be stored until December or January if kept in a cold room. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature around 8 to 10°C, or in a cold room, sealed from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. Apples release ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

Very popular thanks to its fruits, the apple tree finds its place in the garden to the delight of young and old. Among a wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits your desires.