Malus Domestica Ananas Reinette Apple

Malus Domestica Ananas Reinette or Apple Ananas Reinette, is an old European apple variety, thought to have originated in the Netherlands in the 1800s. As the name suggests, this fruit tree produces apples with a mild pineapple (ananas) flavour. This is an early harvest variety.

In the spring, this small, attractive apple tree is engulfed in tiny, white blossoms. Early to bloom and to fruit, this cultivar produces a good crop of smallish fruit that can be picked in early October. Malus Domestica Ananas Reinette apples are golden yellow, with bold russet freckles all over their skin. The crisp and juicy flesh of the fruit has an intense flavour that deepens as the season progresses. By November, the fruit has the distinct sharp and sweet taste that is similar to pineapple. For better flavour, pick the fruit later in the season or leave in storage while it develops - it can be stored for up to 3 months. The apples of this variety are most often used for cooking and making juice.

Apple Reinette Ananas is easy to grow and to care for. It thrives in well-drained, loamy soil and full sun. Even though the frost will not damage the plant, the spring blossoms can be affected by late frosts, so this cultivar will appreciate a sheltered location. When planting this apple tree, mulch and thoroughly drain beforehand. The hole should be at least 60 centimetres deep. Like most apple varieties, Malus Domestica Ananas Reinette needs a pollination partner to produce fruit. Make sure to plant at least one different variety of apple tree in proximity to promote cross-pollination. In case you have a small garden, you can rely on cultivars from a neighbor’s garden or insects to pollinate your tree.

Apple Reinette Ananas is very popular and widely grown in Germany and France. It is fully hardy in the United Kingdom. It is not bothered by low temperatures and can successfully survive even the more severe winters.

Keeping this small tree in proper form is an easy task. The pruning methods will vary, depending on how the tree is shaped, but, in most cases, pruning once a year will ensure good health and tidy habit of the cultivar. Apple Reinette Ananas’ natural growth habit is upright and spreading. Slightly smaller than most of its relatives and with a medium growth rate, this Dutch apple variety has a maximum size of 4 to 6 metres in height.