A medium to large French apple with golden-yellow skin, streaked with red. The flesh is yellow, firm and fine, crisp, juicy and sweet. Good for pâtissserie and savoury dishes but also good as a dessert apple. It is not certain whether this apple has English or French origins but is probably French arising in 1770s. In England it is called King of the Pippins, though it was earlier called Golden Winter Pearmain; in France, Reine des Reinettes and Gold Parmäine in Germany. It received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1993. It retains its shape when cooked but may also be used for cider-making. This mid-season variety is harvested from early October in South-East England and is at its best from October to December.
