Mere de Menage

Why you should be excited

Mere de Menage is a European cooking apple with a confused history. It's tasty and can be very large.

The story of Mere de Menage

Here's an apple that originated somewhere in Europe, we know not exactly where.

The confused history of this variety makes it easy to understand how it got at least two dozen different names, many from folks who wouldn't have even known the apple was also grown elsewhere under different names.

Some people called it Burton's Beauty, others Libra. Some knew it as Harlow Pippin and others as Gelbe Telerapfel. Some as Flanders Pippin and others as Rambour d'Amerique.

And so it goes; the list is lengthy.

In each case, they were dealing with the same fruit, a large and pretty cooking apple with nice flavour, plenty of tartness and dryish flesh.

Mere de Menage Facts

Its origins

Uncertain origins somewhere in Europe during the 18th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Cooks to a puree that's sweet, with significant acidity, and fairly dry.

Appearance

This very large, irregularly-shaped apple is attractive, flushed and striped with an assertive carmine colour over its green background.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in early October).

Quality for fresh eating

Mainly used for cooking.

Quality for cooking

Very good.

Quality for cider

Not particularly known for use in cider.

Keeping ability

Good (3 or 4 months when kept refrigerated).