These small, button-like and flat-rounded apples bring a smile each time we walk past our newest tree in the orchard: an Api Noir. If any apples can be called "cute", these are the ones. They seem almost doll-sized, compared with the hefty Grenadiers that weight the branches nearly to the ground (see no. 3 photo in Autumn 2006). The tree has produced six fruits in its first season here, and we are waiting impatiently until they are ripe enough to pick. The flavour is described as sweet, juicy and crisp.