Golden Monselet Apples
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Golden Monselet apples vary in size and shape, depending on seasonal growing conditions. The apples appear in round to conical shapes with flat, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow base. The fruit’s surface is taut with a light texture and has semi-thick skin covered in lenticels and sandy russet patches. Golden Monselet apples ripen to shades of yellow and are covered in dark red blush. The blush can be solid to transparent with broken striping. Underneath the surface, the white to ivory flesh is dense, firm, and aqueous, with a crisp and crunchy consistency. The flesh also encases a small central core filled with tiny dark brown-black seeds. Golden Monselet apples release a light aroma when ripe and have a fruity, sweet taste.
Seasons/Availability
Golden Monselet apples are typically found in the fall through winter in France.
Current Facts
Golden Monselet apples, botanically classified as Malus domestica, are a French variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The apple’s full name in French is pomme Dorée Monselet, also written as pommes Dorée Des Monselets. Golden Monselet apples are a rare variety that is challenging to cultivate and produces low yields, leading them to be reserved for specialty growers. The apples are favored for their distinct flavor and rustic appearance, and they are sold as a seasonal delicacy. In French markets, Golden Monselet apples are sought by chefs as a versatile variety for a wide array of fresh and cooked culinary preparations.
Nutritional Value
Golden Monselet apples have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Yellow-skinned apples, in general, may be a source of vitamins A, C, and E to strengthen the immune system, maintain healthy organs, and guard the cells against the damage caused by free radicals. Golden apples also provide fiber to regulate the digestive tract and minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, and copper. Iron helps the body produce the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, while magnesium assists in controlling nerve functions. Zinc provides support to produce tissues, calcium and phosphorus protect bones and teeth, and potassium balances fluid levels within the body. Manganese helps with metabolism, and copper produces red blood cells.
Applications
Golden Monselet apples have a fruity, sweet taste suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is primarily consumed out of hand as a rare, specialty apple. Golden Monselet apples are specifically grown for their flavor and are often enjoyed raw to savor their authentic taste. The variety can be sliced and served in salads or displayed on cheese boards as a sweet accompaniment. Golden Monselet apples are also layered into baguettes and sandwiches or served in various appetizer bites for added crunch. Try slicing and serving the variety as a topping over crepes and parfaits. In addition to raw preparations, Golden Monselet apples can be simmered into jams, jellies, and compotes or used as filling in baked goods like turnovers. They can also be incorporated into pies, tarts, muffins, bread, galettes, crumbles, and scones. Golden Monselet apples pair well with other fruits like berries, stone fruit, citrus, and bananas, herbs like mint, cilantro, and parsley, and spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise. Whole, unwashed Golden Monselet apples will last a few weeks when stored in a cool, dry, dark place like a cellar or refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Golden Monselet apples are one of the obscure varieties grown by Lechat Fruits, a family-run independent producer. The brothers Jacques and Jean-Louis Lechat are the third generation to own and operate the orchards, and the orchards extend along the hillsides of Bidaudière Farm near the Nantes region. Lechat was established in 1930 by Armand Lechat, who planted the first set of orchard trees, and over time, the orchards have been diversified with cherry, apple, peach, nectarine, and pear trees. When Jacques and Jean-Louis took over the family business, they decided to focus on growing apples and pears. The Lechat brothers currently cultivate over thirty varieties of rare pears and apples, and take pride in nurturing their trees using natural methods. Care for the trees is done by hand, and each fruit is inspected before it is picked to ensure it is harvested at optimal times. The brothers purposely keep yields low to create fruits with exceptional flavor. As a result, the apples produced by Lechat are sought by chefs as a specialty ingredient for their prominent flavor profile and distinct characteristics from commercial varieties.
Geography/History
Golden Monselet apples are native to France and are a rare heirloom variety seldom found in markets. Much of the apple’s history is unknown, and the variety is only produced on a small scale by a few specialty apple growers in France. Today, Golden Monselet apples are primarily found in the Loire-Atlantique department along the western coast of France. The variety is notably grown by the Lechat family on Bidaudière Farm in the commune of Carquefou. When Golden Monselet apples are in season, the variety is sold through select wholesalers and retailers and in markets and delicatessens in Paris and Nantes.
