Description
Fenouillet Aubert apple tree
The Fenouillet Aubert apple tree is an old variety from Bédenac, in Charente-Maritime, on the border of the Gironde. This variety, also known as the aniseed Azeroli type, is distinguished by its intense anise fragrance which has earned it its name “fennel”. The medium-sized fruits, slightly truncated conical and globular, have a thick and rough skin of ochre colour, often granite and marbled with fawn. The bright white flesh is fine, firm, juicy and deliciously fragrant with an aniseed flavour.
Characteristics of the Fenouillet Aubert apple tree
The tree has a medium vigour with a spreading habit and basitone, particularly practical for picking. Its very shiny dark green foliage is remarkably darker than that of most apple trees, giving it a certain ornamental appearance. The mid-late flowering in April offers a certain resistance to spring frosts, with white flowers that bring a decorative touch to the orchard.
Fenouillet Aubert benefits from a rapid fruiting and excellent resistance to diseases: it is not very sensitive to scab and very little susceptible to aphids. However, the tree has a tendency to alternate. To ensure regular production, manual thinning is recommended in years of heavy overload.
Cultivation and maintenance
The Fenouillet Aubert apple tree adapts to all types of soils, preferring nevertheless rich and deep soils with a sunny exposure. This hardy variety requires little heat to ripen its fruit. The harvest takes place from the end of September to October, and the fruits keep remarkably well until February.
For optimal pollination, combine it with the Reine des Reinettes Apple Tree or the Croncels Transparent Apple Tree, two excellent pollinating varieties whose flowering coincides perfectly.
Use and taste qualities
The Fenouillet Aubert apple is known as “the queen of baked apples” in its region of origin. Its flesh is tender and firm at the same time, free of acidity, revealing musky and aniseed notes of exceptional finesse. This variety is very versatile:
- Knife-style: excellent to eat with its unique aniseed flavour
- In compote: gives very fragrant and creamy compotes
- In the oven: considered the best apple to cook in the South-West
- In pastry: ideal for pies and cakes thanks to its good resistance to baking
Characteristics table
| Origin | Bédenac, Charente-Maritime (17) |
| Maturity | Mid-late (October-November) |
| Caliber | Medium, globular |
| Color | Ochre, corky epidermis |
| Flesh | White, firm, fine, juicy |
| Resistance | Scab , Aphids |
Advantages of this variety
- Exceptional flavour: unique and highly sought-after aniseed fragrance
- Culinary versatility: excellent raw or cooked
- Good storage: can be kept until February
- Natural resistance: not very sensitive to common diseases
- Rapid fruiting: early production after planting
- Convenient habit: spread out and basitone for easy harvesting
The Fenouillet Aubert apple tree is an excellent choice for lovers of old varieties looking for an apple with exceptional taste qualities. Its characteristic aniseed flavor, versatility of use, and good resistance to disease make it a must-have variety for any family or storage orchard.




