Belle de Boskoop Apple tree

Owner's comments

I don't have just one Belle de Boskoop tree, but 12, both normal BdB and Red BdB. There are various sizes and forms (standard, half-standard, double U cordon and one espalier). I planted these trees over a 5 year period between 2003 and 2007 and unlike with other fruit trees I had to have a lot of patience with Belle de Boskoop. By 2015 I began to think that BdB was not suited for the climate in North-West Wales. But this year in 2018 for the first time there were abundant blossoms, followed by abundant fruit setting and now a bumper harvest. I guess that BdB takes its time to grow up and become a good cropper. As a Dutchman in North Wales one of the few things I miss from the Netherlands is my mother's apple sauce and cinnamon/apple cake made from Belle de Boskoop apples. I am now able to make apple sauce/apple puree, apple cake, juice, and even use it as a hand apple to eat.