BELLE DE PONTOISE
Apple
USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection
Origin and History
Raised at Pontoise from a seed of Emperor Alexander by M. Remy and introduced in 1879. Known in German nomenclature as Schoener von Pontoise.
Tree
Growth vigorous and very fertile. Leaf very large, undulating, and very coarsely serrate.
Fruit
Size and Form: Large, measuring 3½ by 2½ inches; flat and irregular.
Skin: Pale yellow-green with red flush and broad broken stripes.
Stem and Cavity: Stem very long, set in an unusually wide and deep russet cavity.
Calyx and Basin: Eye open in a rather deep and wide basin.
Flesh and Flavor: Tender, white, sweetish and juicy. Keeps firm and acid in storage, though rather tender.
Core and Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
December to February (culinary).
Uses
Very useful variety. Culinary; best for garden use.
Book Sources
Described in 1 period pomological work
Nursery Catalog Sources
Found in 4 catalogs (1900–1913) from England, Illinois
- George Bunyard & Co. , Royal Nurseries, Maidstone, Kent , England — 1900
- Benjamin Buckman (personal inventory) , Farmingdale , Illinois — 1901
- James Veitch & Sons , Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, London (also Coombe Wood, Langley, and Feltham) , England — 1911
- Benjamin Buckman (personal inventory) , Farmingdale , Illinois — 1913
View original book sources (1)
— E.A. Bunyard, A Handbook of Hardy Fruits (1920)BELLE DE PONTOISE. G., Schoener von Pontoise. Culinary, December to February, large, 3½ by 2½, flat, irregular. Colour, pale yellow-green, red flush, and broad broken stripes. Flesh, tender, white, sweetish and juicy. Eye, open in a rather deep and wide basin. Stem, very long in an unusually wide and deep russet cavity. Growth, vigorous; very fertile. Leaf, very large, undulating, very coarsely serrate. Origin, raised at Pointoise, from a seed of Emperor Alexander, by M. Remy, and introduced in 1879. A very useful variety, keeping firm and acid, but rather tender and best for garden use.