There are many different kinds of apples out there but many are unique apple varieties you don’t see in stores.
©JACEK SKROK/Shutterstock.com
When you go to your local grocery store, the apples are pretty much always the same. You have Red Delicious, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Gala, Jazz, and so on. After a while, you might start to think that’s all that’s out there. However, that isn’t the case. There are so many unique apple varieties in the world, some of which you’ve never heard of, and more are being created every day. These 10 are just the tip of the iceberg.
1. Api-Etoile Apples
Despite having been around since 1628, these apples are fairly unheard of throughout the rest of the world. They are very rare, as their obscurity makes them rather low in demand.
As for the flavor, they are considered dessert apples. They have a strong apple smell. When it comes to taste, the apples are considered to have a strong, sweet taste, with just a bit of sour at the end.
2. Black Oxford
The Black Oxford apple looks a lot like a plum. They are round and are a very dark purple. This apple works well for almost every purpose. You can eat them fresh, in pies, or turn the fruit into cider. The apples are described as mild, with hints of corn, vanilla, and sugar in every bite.
3. Knobbed Russet
Knobbed apples are ugly pieces of fruit. They have a bit of the classic apple yellow and red, but they have some unique features that help them stand out. These apples are covered in warts and welts. From a distance, they resemble stones or potatoes hanging from a tree. These apples were discovered in 1819.
However, underneath the surface is where these apples shine. The flesh is crisp and crunchy. The apple has a bold flavor that is both sweet and tart. The flavor is said to resemble a hint of both spice and citrus. Sometimes, the flavor is slightly nutty.
4. Arkansas Black Apple
If you were to pick this apple off of the tree and eat it, you’d be disappointed, and in some pain. When the Arkansas Black apple is eaten right after picking, you only get an extremely sour bite. That doesn’t mean these apples are bad. They just need some time to mellow.
If you want the best flavor of these apples, you need to stick them in a fridge for the rest of the year. If you wait until the next season, the sour flavor fades away. Instead, it’s replaced with a firm fruit that’s sweet and has a deep flavor profile full of cherry, cinnamon, vanilla, and coriander.
5. Cosmic Crisp
The Cosmic Crisp apple comes from Washington in the US. It’s a hybrid apple, mixed from the Honeycrisp and the Enterprise apple. This is a great apple for many different purposes, including baking and cooking. It’s also a great option to just eat as-is. Cosmic Crisps are also slow to brown, so it’s a good apple to serve to guests at a party.
6. Pink Pearl
Where most apples are white when you bite into them, the Pink Pearl apple is bright pink. The pink flesh is underneath a yellow skin that’s almost pearly in its shine and appearance. Other apples came from similar breeding, but only the Pink Pearl survived. The flavor is sweet and tart.
7. Cox’s Orange Pippin
Cox’s Orange Pippin is an apple known for having a beautiful appearance and delicious flavors. The apple is crispy and juicy, and the flesh is full of flavor. It’s often described as the finest of all dessert apples. Though they are the golden standard for red apples, they are hard to grow, which is why they aren’t seen around much.
8. Pinata
In the US, it’s rather rare to see these Pinata apples. However, if you can find them, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity. These are delicious apples that are perfect for baking because they don’t break down in the heat. The apples are described as sweet and tart, with a pineapple aftertaste.
9. RubyFrost
If you’re a fan of Gala apples, then this may be another apple to add to your list of favorites. It’s described as having a mild acidic taste. However, the balance of sweet and tart makes it a refreshing fruit with a hint of a grape taste. It’s slow to brown and is good for baking.
10. Apple Stayman’s Winesap
Though this apple looks fairly standard, the taste is sure to make it stand out. It’s often described as tasting a lot like wine and cinnamon. The thick skin traps in all the flavor and moisture to ensure you get a delectable bite every time.
Summary of the Unique Apple Varieties You May Not Know About
| List Number | Apple Variety | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Api-Etoile | Strong, sweet taste with a hint of sour |
| 2 | Black Oxford | Mild with sweet hints of corn, sugar, and vanilla |
| 3 | Knobbed Russet | Both sweet and tart, described as nutty or citrusy and spiced |
| 4 | Arkansas Black Apple | Very sour, with hints of cherry, cinnamon, vanilla, and coriander after a few months of resting |
| 5 | Cosmic Crisp | Sweet and tart, similar to a Honeycrisp |
| 6 | Pink Pearl | Tart or sweet-tart with hints of berry and grapefruit |
| 7 | Cox’s Orange Pippin | Very fragrant, juicy, and crisp |
| 8 | Pinata | Sweet and tart with a bit of pineapple |
| 9 | RubyFrost | Hint of a grape taste, flavor is balanced and sweet |
| 10 | Stayman’s Winesap | Wine-like taste with a hint of cinnamon, tart and rich |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © David Tadevosian/Shutterstock.com
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