Elstar Apple: A Versatile Variety Perfect for Eating and Cooking

Malus domestica

Elstar apples are popular among gardeners and fruit enthusiasts for their exceptional flavour, crisp texture, and versatility. Developed in the Netherlands, this apple variety has become a favourite across Europe for fresh eating and cooking. If you’re looking for a reliable apple tree that produces regular crops of apples with a honeyed and crisp taste, the Elstar apple tree is a fantastic option. This guide will explore everything you need to know about growing and enjoying Elstar apples, from pollination to pruning and tasting notes.

The Elstar apple is a medium-sized dessert apple known for its sweet yet tangy flavour. It was developed in the Netherlands in Elst by crossing Golden Delicious and Ingrid Marie apples. The result is a juicy and sweet apple with a lovely acidity and honeyed richness. The flesh is lemon-white, and the skin is marbled with a greenish-yellow flushed red hue. This apple quickly became popular, especially in Europe, for its reliable fruiting and excellent taste.

Elstar apple trees are an excellent choice for home gardeners who want a tree that produces regular crops of apples with a deep, rich flavour. These trees are easy to grow and perform well in various climates. Whether you want to eat the apples straight from the tree, make apple sauce, or use them for baking, the Elstar apple tree delivers fantastic results. The variety is also suitable for exhibition, thanks to its attractive fruit and consistent yield.

The Elstar apple is prized for its nice overall balance of sweetness and tangy acidity. The taste is very nice when eaten fresh, offering a refreshing crunch and honeyed undertones. Some apple enthusiasts describe it as having a pear-like flavour with a crisp or complex texture. If you love the sweetness of Golden Delicious but want more depth in flavour, the Elstar apple is a great alternative. The taste is tangy with honeyed and crisp notes, making it an excellent choice for fresh eating.

Growing an Elstar apple tree is straightforward, but there are a few key factors to consider to ensure the best fruit production.

Elstar apple trees thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. A location with good air circulation will help reduce disease problems like apple scab and canker.

Elstar apple trees belong to pollination group 3, requiring a pollination partner to produce the best crops. Good pollinators include Golden Delicious, Ingrid Marie and Gala. If you only have space for one apple tree, consider planting a self-fertile variety nearby to ensure successful fruiting. Please check out my article here for more information on Apple pollinating groups.

• Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball
• Mix well-rotted manure into the soil to provide nutrients
• Position the tree so the graft is just above the soil level
• Water well after planting to help the tree establish quickly

Pruning your Elstar apple tree annually helps encourage larger apples and improves air circulation. Remove any dead or diseased branches and thin out overcrowded areas. Regular pruning also prevents the tree from becoming too dense, which can reduce fruit quality.

• Choose a well-drained site with good air circulation
• Prune regularly to reduce humidity around the leaves
• Apply mulch to keep weeds and grass away from the base
• Use resistant rootstocks like MM106 to improve disease resistance

Elstar apples are usually ready for picking in early October. They can be eaten straight from the tree or stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks. When stored properly, the apples develop a deeper taste, making them ideal for fresh eating throughout autumn and winter.

I don’t grow Elstar in my orchard, but I can see the appeal. That honeyed sweetness with a tangy edge sounds like a real treat, especially for those who enjoy their apples crisp and full of character. While I tend to lean towards heritage varieties or those with excellent disease resistance, Elstar is one I’d happily recommend to friends and fellow growers looking for reliable cropping and a flavour that stands out. If your garden gets good sun and you’ve got the space for a pollination partner, it’s well worth considering. Just be sure to keep up with the pruning — a little annual attention goes a long way to keeping apple trees productive and healthy.

• The Elstar apple is a medium-sized dessert apple with a lovely flavour, combining honeyed sweetness and tangy acidity
• It was developed in the Netherlands in Elst by crossing Golden Delicious and Ingrid Marie
• The tree is easy to grow and produces regular crops of apples with a crisp texture
• Requires a pollination partner, with good options including Golden Delicious, Gala, and Ingrid Marie
• Best grown in well-drained soil with good air circulation to avoid apple scab and canker
• Prune annually to encourage larger apples and maintain tree health
• Elstar apples are ready for picking in early October and can be stored for extended use
• Trees are available as bare root or pot-grown from garden centres and online suppliers

If you’re looking for a reliable apple tree with a fantastic balance of sweetness and acidity, the Elstar apple is an excellent choice for any garden. Whether you enjoy them fresh, in baking, or as apple sauce, these apples offer outstanding flavour and versatility.

To see the RHS article, please click here.

Want to learn about other apple varieties? Read about Apple Ellison’s Orange here.

For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here.

Q: What is the Elstar apple cultivar?

A: The Elstar apple (Malus domestica ‘Elstar’) is a popular variety known for its sweet yet slightly tangy flavour. It is a hybrid, combining the best traits of its parent varieties, resulting in a distinctive taste many apple lovers appreciate.

Q: Where can I buy an Elstar apple tree?

A: Elstar apple trees are available from garden centres and online nurseries specialising in fruit trees. When you purchase, please look for a reputable seller offering healthy, well-cared-for plants to ensure strong growth and a good harvest.

Q: What are the tasting notes of the Elstar apple?

A: Elstar apples have a rich, sweet flavour with a hint of tanginess. Some describe their taste as having subtle pear-like notes with a touch of honey, making them a delicious choice for fresh eating.

Q: How does the Elstar compare to other apple cultivars?

A: While Elstar apples are known for their deep, complex flavour, they are not as crisp as varieties like Golden Delicious or Jazz. However, their distinctive taste and juicy texture make them a favourite among apple enthusiasts.

Q: Is the Elstar apple tree suitable for ornamental use?

A: Yes! In addition to producing delicious fruit, the Elstar apple tree showcases beautiful spring blossoms, adding ornamental value to gardens. It is an excellent choice for those looking to grow a fruit tree that enhances the landscape.

Q: How often do Elstar apple trees bear fruit?

A: Elstar apple trees typically produce fruit annually, but some trees may exhibit biennial bearing, producing a heavier crop one year and a lighter one the next. Regular thinning of young fruit can help encourage more consistent harvests.

Q: What is the texture of the Elstar apple’s flesh?

A: Elstar apples have firm, white flesh that is crisp and juicy. Their texture makes them perfect for fresh eating, baking, sauces, and other culinary creations.

Q: What are the main advantages of growing Elstar apples?

A: One of the most significant advantages of growing Elstar apples is their exceptional flavour. If you enjoy apples with a balanced sweetness and slight sharpness, Elstar is an excellent choice. Additionally, the tree is relatively easy to grow and can yield a rewarding harvest properly.

Q: Are Elstar apple trees easy to grow?

A: Elstar apple trees are generally easy to grow and adapt to various conditions. To ensure a healthy tree and a good crop, provide well-drained soil, regular watering, and an annual feed. Checking the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) guidelines for best practices can also be helpful.