Peau d’Ane Apple (Malus domestica ‘Peau d’Ane’) is a rare French cider apple valued by collectors and traditional cider enthusiasts for its distinctive name and historic character. Classified as a bittersweet cider apple, it is used primarily for adding tannin, body and complexity to cider blends. The name translates as “Donkey Skin”, thought to refer to the fruit’s rough or russeted appearance. An uncommon cultivar best suited to heritage orchards and specialist collections, it also offers attractive spring blossom and seasonal orchard interest.
- Uses: Cider production, heritage orchards, collector plantings
- Pollination: Requires a suitable pollination partner
- Harvest: Mid to late season
- Chill requirements: Suitable for temperate climates with winter chill
- Attributes: Rare cider cultivar, bittersweet fruit type, collector interest
- Features: Historic French cultivar, distinctive name, spring blossom
- Also known as: ‘Peau D’Ane’, ‘Peau d’ ne’, ‘Peau D’Âne’
References
incl:
Out on a Limb Apples. (n.d.). Peau d’Ane.
Pomiferous. (n.d.). Peau d’ ne.
Image:
Pomiferous (2026)
