The grenadier is a deciduous apple cultivar with a round pyramidal shape that is typically four inches wide and three inches high, featuring a pronounced ribbing pattern that finishes in a defined crown at the blossom end. The skin of the grenadier is a pale green color, which gradually turns to a pale yellow upon full ripeness, particularly on the side exposed to the sun. The eye of the grenadier is small and closed, sitting within a shallow basin that is lightly puckered. The stem of the grenadier is very short and thick, emerging from a shallow, funnel-shaped cavity that is sometimesrusseted from the base.
Characteristics of the Grenadier Fruit
The flesh of the grenadier iswhite, with a fine grain and is firm, crisp, and juicy. It has a tangy flavor that makes it a favorite for cooking and makes a delicious tart sauce. Grenadiers are known to produce a tasty apple jelly when combined with creamy cheeses such as Saint André. When used in apple pies, they provide a lovely tartness and aroma, but the slices do not hold their shape well, making them unsuitable for baking.
History and Origin of the Grenadier
The Grenadier originated in England and was first documented in 1862. It was discovered by Charles Turner of Slough and later promoted by George Bunyard of Maidstone. In 1883, the Grenadier received a First Class Certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society, and in 1993, it earned the Award of Garden Merit. The grenadier is a self-sterile cultivar and serves as a good pollinator for other apple varieties.
Cultivation and Maintenance of Grenadiers
Grenaderis are considered moderate vigor and are typically upright-spreading. They feature spurs at the base of the tree and can tolerate damp soils. Thesetrees are heavy croppers and will produce heavy crops of fruit that will keep fresh for about one week.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Grenadiers
One of the main advantages of growing Grenadiers is their ease of cultivation. They are relatively resistant to mildew, canker, and scab. Additionally, they do not store particularly well, which poses a challenge for modern distribution methods. However, the grenadier is also not the most attractive apple, with a lumpy green color and a pronounced ribbed effect, but this lack of beauty is lost when cooked, transforming into a cream-colored puree with an exquisite flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Grenadiers
Grenadises are rich in vitamins and minerals. Eating the fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. They are also a low-calorie snack, making them popular among those watching their weight.
Uses of Grenadiers
Grenadiens are primarily used for cooking and baking. They can be used to make a tart sauce, and the apple jelly produced with them is particularly tasty. Grenadier apples also contribute to the flavor of apple pies and sauces, providing a delicious, tart flavor and aroma to the dish.
Conclusion
The grenadier fruit is an English cultivar of domesticated apple with a round pyramidal shape and a pale green skin that transitions to yellow upon full ripeness. They are medium-sized, firm, crisp, and juicy, with a tangy flavor and the ability to produce tasty apple jelly. While they are a good pollinator for other apple varieties and are relatively easy to cultivate, the lack of aesthetic appeal poses a potential hurdle for those looking to grow grenadiers for commercial purposes.
