Apple Sheep – AB

Description

All about the Gueule de Mouton apple tree

The Sheep’s Mouth Apple Tree, also called Keuleman, is an old and hardy variety, very vigorous and recommended for growing in high stems. It is very popular in the orchards of northern France, particularly in Avesnois, for its pollinating qualities.

Characteristics of the fruit

The fruit is medium in size (65 mm), with an elongated and conical shape. The epidermis is matt and semi-rough, predominantly green-yellow in colour with shades of red on the sunny side. The flesh, traditionally used for knives, cooking and cider, has a variable taste depending on the apples and the time of consumption, balancing sugar and acidity.

Use of the fruit

The apple from the Gueule de Mouton apple is versatile, suitable for consumption at the table, cooking and cider making. It is harvested from mid-October and can be stored naturally until the end of April, which can also be stored in cold storage.

Tree Description

The Gueule de Mouton apple tree displays a medium to strong vigour, with a structure that tends to open and lower quickly under the weight of the fruit. It is type II-III of fruiting.

Growing Characteristics

• Adaptation to the rootstock: Suitable for all types of rootstocks.
• Flowering: Mid-early to median.
• Fertility: Good pollinator, often used for this purpose in orchards.
• Disease Susceptibility: Canker resistant and woolly adelgid resistant, but prone to scab and spider mite. Good quality of vegetation in the Hauts-de-France, with a certain sensitivity to powdery mildew.
• Driving: Recommended for tall growing, but all tree shapes are suitable for it.

Recommended Pollinators

• Colapuis
• Sheep’s Mouth
• President Henry Van Dievoet (Cabarette)
• Queen of the Reinettes
• Transparent by Croncels

History of the Pommier Gueule de Mouton

The origin of the Gueule de Mouton apple tree is uncertain, with hypotheses linking it to Germany under the name of “Schafsnase” or to Flemish terms related to the preservation of fruit. This variety is very present in the orchards of northern France and Wallonia, appreciated for its hardiness and pollinating qualities.

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