The Pristine Apple tree comes in several sizes to meet your spacing needs and produces beautiful green apples you can enjoy as a snack or an ingredient in a larger meal. Keep reading to decide whether or not you should add this apple tree to your edible garden this year.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a popular saying which holds truth due to the healthy benefits of eating apples on a regular basis. Keep this habit up by growing your very own apple tree. If you are not sure where to start, begin with a Pristine Apple tree. Below is more information about this tree and the fruit it produces.
History of the Pristine Apple Tree
The Pristine Apple tree is a hybrid of ‘Camuzet’ domesticated apples and ‘Co Op 10’ apples. These fruits come from ‘Starking Delicious’ and ‘McIntosh‘ apples.
The Pristine Apple tree was bred and patented in 1994 by the PRI disease-resistant apple breeding program, which is located in Indiana, USA. PRI is the first letter taken from Purdue University, Rutgers University, and the University of Illinois. The name “Pristine” pays homage to the program since the first three letters stand for each university involved in the project.
The Pristine Apple tree was developed to withstand apple scab, a common disease that attacks apples and other plants in the rose family. Many apples were successfully bred in this program to be resistant to apple scab. 50 other varieties are known throughout the world that came from the PRI disease resistant apple breeding program.
Pristine Apple Tree / Pristine Apple Characteristics
The Pristine Apple tree takes about two years to become established. Flowers start to appear in the middle or late during the springtime. Apples start to appear in the middle of the summer and can be used until fall.
Pristine apples are greenish-yellow to red-yellow once they reach maturity. They look similar to Lodi apples. The flesh of the apple looks to be a pale yellow or ivory in color.
Planting Zones
Pristine Apple trees grow best in planting zones 4 – 9, which means the tree can grow throughout most of the United States. For more information on planting apple trees, please visit “How to Plant Apple Trees” on our website.
Size and Spacing
Pristine Apple trees are available in standard, dwarf, and mini-dwarf sizes. The standard pristine apple tree can grow up to 25 feet tall. The mini dwarf tree grows to only five feet tall and the mini dwarf can reach 11 feet in height.
Apple tree lovers can enjoy growing a Pristine Apple, no matter how large or small their outdoor space is since these trees can grow in various sizes, based on the type bought.
Make sure the soil in your area is well-draining and fertile. If not, buy a mix that has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 for your new tree to grow in.
With new trees, dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep so that the roots have plenty of space to grow in. You can also soak the roots in water for a few hours to encourage growth once planted.
Based on the size of the tree, give each one plenty of space to grow, at least several feet, so that the branches have plenty of room to grow outward.
Pollination
Another apple tree needs to be planted nearby to encourage pollination of the Pristine Apple tree. Pair this tree with a Gala, Cortland, or Jonathon apple tree. Space the trees out so there is plenty of room for their roots and branches to grow.
Pristine Apple Tree Care
Below are details on how to care for the Pristine Apple tree. Note the similarities and differences between this and other apple trees, especially if you plan on having a variety.
Sunlight
Make sure your apple tree has plenty of sunlight, at least 6 hours of sun per day to get the most out of your tree and its fruit.
Watering
Water your Pristine Apple tree well and deeply so that the roots are established deep in the soil. As the tree matures, it can be watered less.
Pruning
Pruning is an important part of keeping your apple tree healthy to keep it growing and producing plenty of fruit year after year. Pristine Apple trees need to be pruned yearly when they are dormant so that their growth process is not disturbed. Wood that is diseased or dead should be removed at this time.
Getting rid of old wood helps with airflow and encourages the branches to grow horizontally. Old fruiting spurs should be taken off every 10 years or so to promote new growth.
Another great reason to prune your Pristine Apple tree is that it has the potential to produce many apples. Pruning back branches can prevent future breakage from a tree growing too many apples.
Diseases & Care
Pristine Apple trees were created to resist apple scab. They can get cedar-apple rust, so you want to watch out for rusty spots appearing. It is generally resistant to fire blight and powdery mildew.
Pristine trees can get fungal diseases, so keep a copper fungicide available to spray on in the springtime to prevent this.
Visit our guide on spraying apple trees for more information about preventive care.
Pests
Pristine Apple trees can also attract various apple pests. To prevent this, have sticky tracks, neem oil, horticultural oil, and other sprays handy to use in case you find evidence of pests on your tree and apples.
Fertilizing the Pristine Apple Tree
The Pristine Apple tree needs to be fertilized early in the spring to help produce a large number of apples in the fall.
Common Uses For The Pristine Apple
There are many uses of the Pristine apple. Below are more details about these wonderful uses.
What Does This Fruit Taste Like?
Pristine apples have a slightly tart taste, making them preferable for those who want an apple that does not taste sweet.
Cooking
Pristine apples are great to use in a variety of recipes. They are great apples to use in pies, cakes, applesauce, and other dishes. Baked apples and fried apples include Pristine Apples in their recipes.
Wash an apple thoroughly and chop it up to include in a fruit salad. These apples will also taste great in a traditional salad with green lettuce. Chop up some of these apples with other fruit and blend them together to make a breakfast smoothie for a healthy start to your day.
Apple cider is a popular drink in the fall and can be easily made at home to enjoy with family and friends. Pristine apples are a great choice to make applesauce with. The applesauce can be paired with yogurt or oatmeal, put on top of toast, or eaten with cooked meats.
Eating Raw
Pristine apples can also be eaten raw, as long you prefer their tart taste. They can last for weeks in the refrigerator or a dry, cool place to enjoy as a snack or part of a meal.
Canning / Freezing / Drying
These apples are best stored in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place.
To get more ideas on how to cook with Pristine apples, please check out our recipe page.
Health Benefits of the Pristine Apple
There are many benefits to eating Pristine apples. These apples contain vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. Vitamin C can help keep the immune system healthy and increase collagen made, while fiber keeps the digestive system moving.
Eating apples on a regular basis is a great way to keep your body healthy. For more health benefits of the fruit, check out “10 Amazing Health Benefits of Apples.”
Where To Buy The Pristine Apple Tree?
The Pristine Apple tree can be bought at various garden nurseries during seasonal times, and online nurseries. Search online to see which nurseries in your area carry the Pristine Apple.
Where To Buy The Fruit
Pristine apples can be bought at local grocery stores when available. You may want to call around first to see where they are sold in your area.
Pristine Apple Fruit Facts / FAQs
Is it a good idea to can pristine apples?
Pristine apples can be canned, as long as they are firm and ripe.
What color are healthy Pristine leaves on the tree?
A healthy pristine tree can produce dark, green leaves throughout the year.
What color are the flowers on Pristine Apple trees?
Pristine apple trees bloom beautiful, purple flowers in the springtime.
Why should I grow a Pristine Apple tree, compared to other apple trees?
Pristine trees are very resistant to apple scab and other diseases, making them a great choice for a fruit tree.
Can I grow a Pristine Apple tree even though I don’t have much space in my outdoor area?
Pristine Apple trees come in various sizes. A mini dwarf tree would make a great choice for a small garden space since it only grows five feet tall. Place in a large container so that the roots have plenty of room to grow in.
Can I enjoy Pristine apples in the fall, even though they grow early on the tree?
Enjoy eating some of your apples soon after they are mature since there is no guarantee they will last. Pristine apples can be used in the fall as long as they are stored properly in the refrigerator or dry place where they are not disturbed.
Wrapping up The Pristine Apple Tree
There are plenty of reasons to grow a Pristine Apple tree, such as enjoying a fruit tree in your garden and the fruit it produces that can be used in many recipes, as well as eating the apples raw for a snack. No matter if you have a large outdoor space or just a patio, you can fit a pristine tree in any space due to the variety of sizes the tree comes in.
If you enjoy green apples with a tart taste, consider adding a Pristine Apple tree to your fruit garden. Make this apple tree part of your garden today so that you and your family can enjoy the tree and apples for many years to come.
Excited for more apple content? Visit our apple trees page to learn more about apple planting, growing, picking, cooking, and more!