Everything about the old apple variety 'Goldparmäne': Expert tips on the taste and harvest time of the apples with information on use and storage.
The old apple variety 'Goldparmäne' (Malus 'Goldparmäne') has been cultivated for centuries and is highly valued for its deliciously aromatic apples - some also know it as Goldrenette. Today, however, the apple variety has largely disappeared from commercial cultivation. The variety is considered too demanding for commercial fruit growing. For hobby gardeners, the cultivation of winter apples can still be a win. Because with the right location and the right care, you can easily grow Goldparmane apples in your garden.
Apple variety 'Goldparmäne': Profile
| Synonyms | 'Reine des Reinettes', 'Golden Reinette' |
| Fruit | medium; orange color, golden on the sunny side with reddish stripes |
| Flavour | nutty, sweet and sour |
| Yield | high and swaying; medium early; Thinning necessary, otherwise small fruits |
| Harvest time | Mid September to early October |
| Maturity for pleasure | November to January/February |
| Shelf Life | good; Can be stored until January/February |
| Growth | medium to strong, decreasing with age; aging |
| Climate | medium claim; can be cultivated up to medium altitudes; not sure frost hardy; Flower slightly sensitive to frost |
| Diseases and Pests | susceptible to canker, apple scab, powdery mildew, lice, codling moth, fire blight |
Where does the 'Goldparmäne' apple variety come from?
The Goldparmäne is one of the oldest apple varieties. It probably originated as a chance seedling in Normandy, France, in the 16th century. There she quickly became a valued and popular strain. This is also evident from the French name: 'Reine des Reinettes', which means something like "Queen of Reinettes" (an apple varietyGroup). In the 18th century, the gold parmane came to England and Germany. There she was able to first put down roots in Baden-Württemberg. The climate there was suitable for the demands of the French apple.
What is the flavor of Goldparmane apples?
Goldparmane apples are flat and spherical in shape with a broad or almost flat calyx. The fruits are medium-sized and have a smooth, shiny surface. This is initially greenish to yellow and turns orange towards maturity. The side facing the sun shines in a golden hue and is streaked with the typical fine reddish stripes. Not only the taste is unique. The first thing you notice after picking is the strong, aromatic smell that the apples give off. Gold Parmanas have crisp, firm flesh and taste nutty and sweet and sour.
Planting and caring for a gold parmane apple tree: What should you consider?
Growing gold parmesan is not always easy. This is mainly due to the high location requirements of the apple variety. Coming from France, she loves it as warm and light as possible. In favorable locations and wine-growing regions, the tasty apple also grows at higher altitudes. Cultivation should be avoided in less sun-drenched areas with a harsh climate.
The soil for the apple tree should be rich in humus and nutrients and well drained. Poor soils should be enriched with humus or a fertilizer with an organic long-term effect - such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer. Too heavy soils are mixed with sand before planting the gold parmane. As an old apple variety, the Goldparmäne is wonderfully suited as a standard. The animals in your garden especially appreciate this, for which orchards offer a safe habitat.
The optimal location for the Goldparmane apple tree?
- As warm and bright location as possible
- Permeable soil
- Rich in humus and nutrients
- Suitable as a standard
You can find general tips on planting apple trees in our special article.
In order to enable a rich harvest, regular pruning to thin out the branches is also necessary. If the branches grow too densely, the fruit will not get enough light.
In addition, the gold parmane needs other apple trees for pollination. Other old apple varieties in the vicinity, such as Boskoop or Gravensteiner, are suitable for this. Also theCorrect fertilization plays an important role with this apple variety. Work a slow release organic fertilizer into the soil around the tree pit each spring. Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer protects the environment and supports soil life - at the same time it contains all the important nutrients for the apple tree and thus helps to get a rich harvest. During the summer, you should work additional compost into the soil around the tree trunk every six to eight weeks. Alternatively, you can also use our Plantura organic universal fertilizer here.
What should be considered when caring for the Goldparmäne apple tree?
- Regular Cut
- Requires pollinator
- Regular fertilization
You can read more tips on fertilizing apple trees here.
When are Goldparmane apples harvest time?
The gold parmane is ready for harvest between mid-September and early October. The fruit is ready to be picked when the twisted fruit stalk comes off the branch easily and by itself. This apple variety tends to shed a lot of apples when they are ripe. Although they don't store well, they can still be used wonderfully for juice, compote or mush.
Use and Storage
Gold parmanes taste good when they are eaten freshly picked. However, the apples only reach their actual maturity after a few weeks of storage in winter. That is why the apple variety is also often called Wintergoldparmane. If the apples are stored until November or January/February, depending on when they are harvested, they develop a particularly delicious aroma. For storage, the fruits are placed in boxes in a single layer. Then put them in a cool and dark place, for example in the cellar, but not in the cold store. Temperatures around 4 °C and a humidity of 98 percent are ideal. At the end of the storage time, the skin of the apples can sag slightly. However, this small blemish does not detract from the taste of the fruit.
How to store gold parmane apples?
- Apples develop their full aroma only in winter after storage
- Put the picked apples in a single layer in boxes
- Store in a cool, dark place
- Ideal conditions: 4 °C, 98 % humidity
Goldparmane apples are ideal for baking delicious cakes and tarts, for drying and also for applesauce or jelly. More tips aboutHarvesting and storing apples can be found here.
If you are looking for an apple tree that requires less maintenance, then 'Krüger's Dicksiel' might be the right choice. This also produces tasty apples, but is less demanding and not as susceptible to diseases and pests.