What a surprise! This apple seems pretty late in the season to show up at my grocery store so I was delighted to see it just sitting there near the end cap. I know of course, that ALL apples just sit there. But for whatever reason when it is a fruit I’ve never seen (or heard of) I feel like they are perched there just waiting to pounce on me. If I turn the corner and spy them first then I get to pounce on them. It’s a fun game I like to play when shopping by myself. If you ever see me crouched conspicuously around a corner, please don’t give away my position. It ruins everything. We can call it a neurotic form a tag, or whatever makes you more comfortable.
So whenever this happens, I tend to wonder two things. First, “Is this a variety that is finally getting the exposure it deserves?” And then immediately following, “Or am I going to hate this and think — Ew. No wonder no one has heard of you?” I ask the fruit questions like this all the way home until I finally just give in and eat one, because usually the fruit is so mad I won the game that they won’t speak to me. They can be sore losers like that.
In this case I was hoping to like it, because I like real opals. I know that has nothing to do with it, but I really just don’t want the cognitive burden of having to remember that I do like one and don’t like the other. Phew. Another crisis averted.
Opal Apple
APPEARANCE Rating: 
Bright, happy sunflower yellow with the most adorable pale freckles. White flesh.
AROMA Rating: 
Not particularly aromatic. Smells fresh and moist but indistinguishable from any other food or plant.
TEXTURE Rating:
Has a crisp bite that pleasantly crackles in your ear.
TASTE Rating:
Lovely and complex flavor with layers of sweet “appley” sugar intersecting with nuances of lemon and orange.
OVERALL Overall Rating:
This is a great find and if you see one be sure to snatch it up. The texture does soften a bit over time so eat them within the first few days. Believe me, that should be no problem. I also baked them in to an amazing little scone with thyme and cheddar cheese. Oh my. Will be posting the recipe for that tomorrow! Stay tuned.
| FRUIT Apple |
PEAK Winter |
PURCHASED Grocery Store |
| VARIETY Opal |
GROWN Unknown |
ALSO!
A Virginia elementary school had a fruit flash mob to promote healthy eating. So awesome! Check it out.
The distributor of Opal apple is a client of ours so I’m happy to see your positive review of the apple. Did you know that Opal apple has also partnered up with Katie’s Krops to help the hungry? For every case of Opal apples sold, the distributor will contribute money to Katie’s Krops to fund grants for local gardens grown by kids. Then, the bounty from those gardens are donated to local food shelves. Check out Opal apple’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/opalbrand. You can find more information about Katie’s Krops there…but you’ll also find that the Opal apple fans are passionate and in love with this new apple!
Wow Paj Ann Herr. I did not know that! That’s great. I’ll check it out.
I just found these for the first time in Chicago at the French Market. They ARE incredible! It’s going to be hard knowing these are available for only 2 months out of the year.
I know! I just bought a few more this morning while they are still available.
I pickep up a bag full of these because the price was right and the color was pretty. At 99 cents a pound here in DC, they fit right into my budget. When I got them home and sliced one open, I got a really sweet surprise. They are crispy, citrusy and even a little nutty tasting. I will be looking out for them from now on.
I know — aren’t they a great surprise?! I was delighted to find them too. I’m pretty sure we will hear more and more about this apple.
Hands down, the best apple I have ever eaten in my life.
No mention of the apple’s skin which is as tough as shoe leather.
Oh. Interesting on the skin. I wonder if that happens when the apple has been in storage who knows. Or maybe that makes no sense as a theory. I have no idea! But the skin on the ones I’ve had are fine.