WOLF'S PAW APPLES

Origin: France 

Season: October - March

Patte de Loup Apples - Ancient French Heirloom Variety

The evocatively named 'Patte de Loup' (wolf's paw) represents one of France's most distinguished heirloom apple varieties, with cultivation records dating back to the Middle Ages. Grown primarily in the northwest regions of France, these remarkable apples have survived centuries whilst many other ancient varieties have disappeared, testament to their exceptional eating qualities that transcend mere appearance.

These small, oddly shaped apples bear little resemblance to the uniform, glossy specimens that dominate modern commercial markets. Their rugged, brownish-yellow skin often develops natural cracks and scarring that gives the fruit its distinctive wolf's paw appearance - as if clawed by the wild animal that inspired their name. This weathered exterior, far from being a flaw, indicates the apple's authentic heritage and natural development without modern intervention.

In an era where perfect calibration and flawless appearance often triumph over flavour, Patte de Loup apples represent the kind of authentic fruit that struggles to find commercial acceptance despite their superior eating qualities.

These heritage apples approach apple perfection through their remarkable balance of sweet and tart flavours that develop complexity through their ancient genetics. The firm flesh delivers ideal texture - juicy without being overly wet, with just the right amount of structure that avoids excessive crispness whilst maintaining satisfying bite.

Patte de Loup apples excel both fresh and cooked, making them exceptionally versatile in the kitchen. They're perfect for eating freshly sliced, where their complex flavour can be fully appreciated without any preparation. When cooked, they maintain their structure beautifully, making them ideal for classic French preparations such as tarte Tatin, where their balanced sweetness and acidity create the perfect caramelised filling, or incorporated into traditional apple cakes where their firm texture prevents them from becoming mushy whilst their flavour intensifies during baking.

Net: 1kg