Lemonade Apples
Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Lemonade apples are large in size and have an elongated, oblong shape with a circle of small bumps around the crown and thin stem. The smooth, shiny skin has a yellow base and may have some patches of green, orange, and pink blush. The lenticels or pores on the skin are almost invisible, and the skin is delicate and easily bruised. The light-yellow flesh is dense, firm, fine-grained, moist, and crisp. There is also a central fibrous core running the length of the fruit containing a few small, dark brown seeds. Lemonade apples are crunchy and juicy, often described as having a fizzy consistency, and have a sweet-tart flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Lemonade apples are available in the summer through early winter in the United States.
Current Facts
Lemonade apples are a new variety that is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family. A cross between the royal gala and the Braeburn with the golden delicious as a grandparent, Lemonade apples are a specialty variety that was created in New Zealand and are sold exclusively by the Yummy Fruit Company in New Zealand and the Giumarra Company in the United States. Lemonade apples are favored for their fine texture and sweet-tart, juicy flavor, and are commonly consumed as a fresh eating apple.
Nutritional Value
Lemonade apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
Applications
Lemonade apples are suited for raw applications as their flavor and crispness is best showcased when consumed fresh, out of hand. They can be sliced and served in both fruit and green salads, blended into gazpacho or hummus, layered in sandwiches, or served as a snack. Lemonade apples can also be juiced or sliced and mixed into sangria or green tea mocktails, or they can be used in baked preparations as a substitute for other apples. Lemonade apples pair well with nut butter, seeds, walnuts, pine nuts, whole grain mustard, spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, basil, mint, cilantro, garlic, scallions, carrots, Brussel sprouts, tomatoes, chickpeas, clementines, cucumbers, and lemon. They will keep for a couple of weeks when stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Lemonade apples were predominately grown in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, because of its nutrient-dense soil and ideal cultivation conditions, but in recent years the Giumarra Company in Los Angeles gained exclusive marketing rights in the United States and are also growing the flavorful variety in Washington state. Apples are one of the most purchased items in the produce department of supermarkets today, and Giumarra is seeking to introduce new varieties such as the Lemonade to provide consumers with unique flavors and textures. As with any introduction, it takes time and marketing for consumers to become aware of new varieties, so Giumarra is also working to create new marketing campaigns and user-friendly websites to bring awareness.
Geography/History
Lemonade apples were created in New Zealand and were introduced to the United States in the early 2000s. Today Lemonade apples are still grown in New Zealand, but they are also grown in Washington State in the United States and also in Canada and can be found through select specialty distributors and markets.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Lemonade Apples. One
is easiest, three is harder.
