Reine de reinettes

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Uncertain origin, may be from Holland, France or another country in Northern Europe. First reference in the literature seems to be French in 1770. Most authors consider King of the Pippins a synonym of Reine des reinettes, but a few think they may be different. There might be different strains. A semi-late apple that keeps well, good fresh and cooked - a classic for the "Tarte Tatin" of the French. Historical notes: the most probable story of this apple is that it would have appeared in Holland and named Kroon Renet (which could be translated as Reinette of the Crown). From there it would have migrated to France where it was renamed Reine de reinettes and eventually became one of the French national apples. From Holland, it would also have migrated to England (probably a little before 1790), where it was first named Golden Winter Pearmain. Some time after, someone probably noted that Golden Winter Pearmain was identical with Reine de reinettes, so it was renamed King of the Pippins in England. However, someone else in England imported Reine de reinettes from France and renamed it Queen of the Pippins! Much confusion! Nowadays, most pomologists consider that all these names refer to the same apple. However, the great French pomologist of the 19th Century, André Leroy, thought the English line of Golden Winter Pearmain (synonym of King of the Pippins) was a distinct variety, although very similar. 
Picture from Claude's orchard, harvested 30 Sept 2006, picture taken same day. Largest is 74 mm across (almost 3 in) <img alt="" src="http://grou.ps/wysiwyg_files/editor/groworganicapples-20100216225813-zalmxtdyaceazwwbu.jpg" align="none"> GROWER COMMENTS:
 
<a href="../../people/zalmxtdyaceazwwbu">Claude Jolicoeur</a>, Quebec, Zone 4Has become one of my favorites, very hardy in my zone 4 orchard, almost
immune to scab, vigourous and productive. The flavour is different from
other apples but very good. Keeps very well in the refrigerator - until
spring. Juice has high acidity and high sugar content. I use quite a
bit of it for cider. It is a very beautiful apple and one of my
problems is that I find them too nice to press them, and there are not
enough seconds for the press!

Uncertain origin, may be from Holland, France or another country in Northern Europe. First reference in the literature seems to be French in 1770. Most authors consider King of the Pippins a synonym of Reine des reinettes, but a few think they may be different. There might be different strains. A semi-late apple that keeps well, good fresh and cooked - a classic for the "Tarte Tatin" of the French.

Historical notes: the most probable story of this apple is that it would have appeared in Holland and named Kroon Renet (which could be translated as Reinette of the Crown). From there it would have migrated to France where it was renamed Reine de reinettes and eventually became one of the French national apples. From Holland, it would also have migrated to England (probably a little before 1790), where it was first named Golden Winter Pearmain. Some time after, someone probably noted that Golden Winter Pearmain was identical with Reine de reinettes, so it was renamed King of the Pippins in England. However, someone else in England imported Reine de reinettes from France and renamed it Queen of the Pippins! Much confusion! Nowadays, most pomologists consider that all these names refer to the same apple. However, the great French pomologist of the 19th Century, André Leroy, thought the English line of Golden Winter Pearmain (synonym of King of the Pippins) was a distinct variety, although very similar.

Picture from Claude's orchard, harvested 30 Sept 2006, picture taken same day. Largest is 74 mm across (almost 3 in)

GROWER COMMENTS:

Claude Jolicoeur, Quebec, Zone 4

Has become one of my favorites, very hardy in my zone 4 orchard, almost immune to scab, vigourous and productive. The flavour is different from other apples but very good. Keeps very well in the refrigerator - until spring. Juice has high acidity and high sugar content. I use quite a bit of it for cider. It is a very beautiful apple and one of my problems is that I find them too nice to press them, and there are not enough seconds for the press!

Discussion

Mike Le Boulluec 78 days ago

How old and tall is your apple tree? I just planted mine this year. It grew about 8-10 inches taller and nicely branched with many leaves. Cannot wait for it to start producing!