WOLF'S PAW APPLES
Origin: France
Season: November - 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: 500g
DELIVERY INFO
Order Cut-Off Times & Delivery Date Selection
Orders placed before 2 PM (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day, unless you select a future delivery date at checkout.
Our Delivery Service
We use reliable third-party express courier services and high-quality insulated packaging. While our couriers are generally excellent, occasional delays can happen. We pack everything to stay fresh, even if transit takes a little longer.
Time-Sensitive & Event Orders
Can we guarantee delivery on a specific day? Unfortunately not - we rely on third-party couriers and can't control their schedules. All items leave us in perfect condition with good use-by dates, but final timing depends on the courier.
If your order is for a specific event, let us know in the notes section at checkout. We can often dispatch a day earlier to give you the best chance of timely arrival.
DELIVERY Changes After Dispatch
Once dispatched, your package is with the courier and we're unable to redirect it or change delivery details.
Saturday Delivery
Saturday delivery is available, though please note our couriers don't operate phone support at weekends and our office is closed. For event-critical orders, a weekday delivery gives us more flexibility to help if any issues arise.
Full delivery details and shipping rates: here
CHRISTMAS DELIVERY
Please choose your delivery date for pre-Christmas orders using the date-picker in your shopping basket. We will make every effort to deliver on your selected day, but this is not guaranteed, so please allow for an extra day.
ORDER DEADLINES
For delivery on or before 23/12/25: Midnight, 18/12/25
For delivery between Christmas & New Year's Eve: Midnight, 27/12/25
Delivery slots are limited. Early booking is strongly recommended.
ORDERS CONTAINING FROZEN PRODUCTS ONLY
If you have freezer space available, please request your order to be delivered as soon as possible or select delivery before 20th December. We reserve the right to adjust your delivery date up to 2 days in advance if we feel it risks not arriving to you promptly.
FRESH TRUFFLES
Your truffles will be harvested as close to Christmas as possible to offer the longest shelf life and the freshest product. We fly them in from Europe early each morning on the same days we dispatch them to you.
Last available pre-Christmas delivery is 23rd December. The truffles will be good for a minimum of 6 days; any longer may impact your enjoyment. PLEASE notify us via email if you need them for the exact delivery day you requested, or consider receiving them a day earlier if that date is available.
As always with fresh truffles, they are best eaten as soon as possible to enjoy maximum aroma.
Please note: White truffles will not be available for delivery between Christmas & New Year's Eve. Instead, please order fresh black truffles.
FRESH PRODUCTS
All fresh products are supplied with a use-by date beyond 28/12/25, with the exception of fresh mushrooms and fresh truffles. We aim for delivery no later than 23rd December.
WAGYU STEAK / FROZEN PRODUCTS / DRY GOODS
All of our frozen products have a long shelf life in the freezer or at least 5 days if defrosted. Orders containing only frozen products will be delivered no later than 20th December.
Certain products (subject to availability) can be ordered for delivery on 30/12/25.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
From 19/12/25: Our phone lines are closed while we compile Christmas pre-orders. Please email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
WAREHOUSE COLLECTION
You can collect in person from our warehouse until 5pm on 23/12/25. Select PICK UP in the checkout section of the website.
Customer service is available for delivery queries via info@fineandwild.com
Choose options
SEASONAL FRUIT & VEGETABLES
