Organic Apple Tree Belle fille de l'Indre - Malus domestica

Malus domestica Belle fille de l'Indre is an old variety, known for producing apples that can be stored for a long time and have excellent taste for various culinary uses. It produces medium to large, round apples, flattened at the base, and slightly conical towards the top, the size will vary depending on the number of fruits on the tree. The smooth, thin, and shiny yellow-green skin, is washed and streaked with red when exposed to sunlight. The white flesh is firm, fine, crisp, juicy, very sweet, and delicately flavoured. Harvesting begins in October, and the fruits can be consumed from late November and can be stored until April-May if the harvest is late and the storage conditions are optimal. 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 France and Europe since ancient times, 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 Belle fille Apple, also known as Belle femme or Belle Bourguignonne, has very ancient and poorly known origins that may date back before 1600. There are many variations of 'Belle Fille': from Burgundy, Indre, Creuse, Salins, Manche, Normandy, and Berry. The Belle fille de l'Indre can be found in Indre, Creuse, and Haute-Vienne.

The Belle fille de l'Indre apple tree has a spreading habit and can reach approximately 5m (16ft) high and 4m (13ft) wide when fully grown. Its habit is well suited for low or high forms and espaliers. Its leaves are large, ovate, dark green on the upper sid, whitish-green on the underside, and deeply toothed. The late blossom appears around early May, which generally protects it from frost. The flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). It is a variety adapted to cultivation in regions with not too late frosts. The Apple tree is a hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures around -20°C (-4°F), making it suitable for cultivation in all regions. Its abundant white blossom is remarkably decorative in spring and highly attractive to bees for nectar and pollen. Despite its vigour, it produces poor-quality pollen, making it 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 bloom at the same time is necessary. Varieties such as Court Pendu, Jacques Lebel, Jonathan, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette du Mans, Reinette Etoilée, Reinette du Canada blanc, Winston, or any other late-flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination.

The Belle fille de l'Indre apple tree is a vigorous, highly fertile variety, quick to bear fruit, extremely productive and fairly resistant to canker, powdery mildew, and scab.

A crisp, juicy, and sweet apple that can be eaten raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheese, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes such as black pudding, pork, or salads. It is also perfect for making juice. The 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 it a healthy choice. The fruits can be stored throughout winter, even until April if the harvest is late. Store in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature of 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). Apples release ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

The apple tree is popular in gardens because of its fruits. Among the wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find a variety that suits.