Belle de Boskoop

Belle de Boskoop is a traditional, dual-purpose apple variety that originated in Boskoop, the Netherlands, where it was discovered as a chance seedling in 1856. It is known for its distinctive, rough skin and its unique, tangy flavor.

History

The Belle de Boskoop apple was discovered in 1856 by K.J.W. Ottolander, a nurseryman in Boskoop. It was first introduced to the market in 1897 and quickly gained popularity due to its unique flavor and versatility. The apple is named after the town of Boskoop, which is renowned for its horticulture and particularly for its apple production.

Characteristics

The Belle de Boskoop apple is a large, round fruit with a rough, greenish-yellow skin that often has a red blush. The flesh is firm, crisp, and juicy, with a tart, tangy flavor that is rich in acidity. The apple is known for its high vitamin C content and its long shelf life. It is a late-season apple, typically harvested in October.

Uses

The Belle de Boskoop is a dual-purpose apple, meaning it can be used both for eating fresh and for cooking. It is particularly popular in baking, as its firm flesh holds up well when cooked. It is also used in cider production due to its high acidity and rich flavor.

Cultivation

The Belle de Boskoop apple tree is a vigorous grower, with a spreading habit and a high resistance to disease. It is a triploid variety, meaning it has three sets of chromosomes and therefore requires cross-pollination from two different apple varieties in order to produce fruit.

See also

• List of apple cultivars
• Apple
• Boskoop