Description
All about the Reinette Etoilée apple tree
The Reinette Étoilée apple tree, also known as Sterappel, Rote Stern Renette and Sterrenet, is an autumn variety appreciated for its distinctive appearance, with many small rough dots forming “stars”. Native to the regions of Maastricht, Liège and Sint-Truiden, it was first described in 1830. This variety is commonly used as a pollinator for other late-blooming varieties.
Characteristics of the fruit
The fruit is small to medium in size (60-80 mm), round and conical in shape, homogeneous and regular. The epidermis is smooth, bright red with many golden white spots. The flesh is white, sometimes slightly pink, firm and juicy, with a pleasantly sweet and slightly flavored taste.
Use of the fruit
Reinette Étoilée is mainly used as a table apple, with a vitamin C content of 14 mg per 100 g of pulp. It is harvested in September and eaten until December in natural storage, or even until January-February in cold storage.
Description of the Reinette Star Apple Tree
The tree has average vigour, with a very erect and fairly sparse habit. The young twigs are long and thin, and the weakest ones bear fruit at their tips.
Growing Characteristics
- Flowering: Mid-late.
- Fertility: Good pollinator for late-flowering varieties such as the Belle Fleur Double and the Reinette de France.
- Disease Susceptibility: Quite prone to scab and much sought after by the moth, but resistant to canker.
- Driving: Suitable for growing tall trees (open-air trees).
Recommended Pollinators
- Early Wirwignes
- Reinette Étoilée
- Winter Wand
- Hangman Grey
- Short-Pendu Pink (Short-Pendu Red)
A little more about the Reinette Étoilée apple tree
Although the Reinette Étoilée apple tree is widespread in different regions of Belgium, the most beautiful trees and the best harvests are to be found around Tongeren and Maaseik. It is a standard variety for high-stem orchards, but its extension is not recommended.
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