Apple Tree Transparente de Croncels - Malus domestica

The Transparente de Croncels apple (also known as the Pomme de Croncels or Glasapfel) is an ancient variety of apple tree that is vigorous and offers early, abundant, and regular production. Its large fruits are harvested from late August to early October. The smooth, light yellow skin encloses a yellowish, tender, juicy flesh that has a very fine, sweet, and slightly acidic taste.

As excellent for eating as for cooking, it unfortunately does not store well but compensates for this with excellent taste quality: it makes very good apple sauce and jelly.

The hardy Transparente de Croncels apple can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F) and blooms in April. It is not a self-fertile variety, so it should be planted near apple trees that bloom at the same time, such as 'Cox orange' or 'Reine des Reinettes', to ensure pollination.

The apple tree (Malus domestica) is a fruit tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is grown almost everywhere in the world and includes countless varieties, both ancient and modern, that produce apples of varying sizes and flavours, ranging from sweet to tart.

Apple trees are native to Europe where their presence has been documented since ancient times. They are hardy, sometimes even down to -30°C (-22°F) for the most resistant varieties.

The domestic apple tree does not exceed ten metres in height and width. This can be even smaller depending on the vigour of the rootstock used. This fruit tree generally has a high trunk that naturally spreads out. It comes in various forms (goblet, half-standard, standard, etc.) and can be trained in many ways (columnar, cordons, espaliers, etc.).

Apple leaves are deciduous and arranged alternately on the branches. They are ovate and toothed. They have a dark green upper surface and a whitish, slightly fuzzy lower surface.

In spring, the apple tree bears white or pale pink flowers grouped in corymbs. Apple flowers are composed of 5 petals surrounding a core of about 20 stamens. They give rise to fleshy, rounded fruits (drupe-like from a botanical point of view) filled with seeds. Their colour, size, flavour, and storage duration vary depending on the variety.

Apple trees are rarely self-fertile and require the presence of other apple trees blooming at the same time and in close proximity to bear fruit.

Apple trees can be grown in all climates, but they thrive in temperate and rather humid regions. They prefer full sun and reasonably moist and fertile soil. They are traditionally grown in orchards but can also be planted individually or even as hedges.

Apple trees are easy fruit trees that require at least some thinning pruning. Proper fruiting pruning will prevent alternate bearing (fruiting every other year). An annual or biennial application of well-decomposed compost also promotes apple tree productivity.

Apples are harvested in late summer and autumn and can sometimes be stored for a long period in a cellar and consumed until early spring. Apples can be used in numerous culinary preparations (apple sauce, pies, jellies) but can also be used to make apple juice or cider.