Court Pendu Plat

'Court Pendu Plat' apple

Illustration of red-flushed 'Court Pendu'

in 'Deutsche Pomologie',

where it is called the "Koenigl Kurzstiel".
Genus Malus
Species Malus domestica
Hybrid parentage Old, unknown
Cultivar 'Court Pendu Plat'
Origin  France, first described in 1613

Court Pendu Plat is an extremely old French cultivar of domesticated apple that was first recorded in 1613. The cultivar definitely dates back to earlier than the 17th century, and was probably cultivated by the Romans.[1] It is known for its unique positive intense flavor[2] which mellows with storage.[1]

Names

The apple's name is derived from Corps Pendu, which means "short stalk" in French.[3] This also matches with its German name "Kurzstiel" or how it is named in Deutsche Pomologie "Koenigl Kurzstiel", meaning the royal short stalk. It is also called the "Wise Apple" because of its late flowering, which avoids the risk of blossom damage due to frost.[4]

Description

Illustration of grinnish russeted 'Court Pendu' in 'Deutsche Pomologie', where it is called the "Grauer Kurzstiel" - the Gray Short-Stalk.

Court Pendu Plat has a unique texture which is dense but not crisp, similar to cheddar cheese, so it is recommended to cut it with a knife and not bit in while whole. The skin is greenish yellow and flushed with red,[2] and is often russeted. The fruit's shape is extremely flattened. It is mainly eaten fresh, but can also be used in cooking. The apple is rather dry and not very juicy.[1]

The Court Pendu Plat tree is a spur-bearer with attractive flowers. It has a good resistance to general apple diseases, especially to scab and to mildew, as well as a resistance to frost.[2] The apple is harvested late, usually in October.[1]

Descendants

Is a direct progenitor of the Suntan apple and a more distant ancestor for the Flamenco apple. It may also be an ancestor of the very popular English Cox's Orange Pippin, since it shares its unique intense flavor, flattened shape, coloring and shading.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Salt Springs Apple
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Court Pendu Plat by Orange Pippin, see also "Tasting" and "Reviews" tabs.
  3. ↑ Trees of Antique
  4. ↑ National Fruit Collection