Chantecler apple

Pomme Chantecler

What it is

It was bred at INRA in Angers in 1958, Golden Delicious crossed with the old Loire reinette Clochard, and only reached growers in the 1970s; some markets still sell it under the breeder's code name, Belchard. The dull gold skin scattered with russet dots is the whole point of the cross — a reinette's acidity on a tree that actually crops.

In the kitchen

It browns slowly enough to be sliced ahead for a plate, and the flesh is dense: for compote give it a splash of water and a longer, gentler cook than a Golden, and it comes out pale rather than grey. Held below 4 °C it keeps its acidity into spring.

Goes with

Butter Cinnamon Calvados Walnut Pork Cider vinegar Blue cheese

Same species

Apple Calvados Mostarda di Mantova Rapid-set apple pectin Reinette grise du Canada apple

In season alongside

Baek-kimchi Honeydew melon Kkakdugi Arbutus berry Bell pepper Bettarazuke

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