Piñata® Apples
Estimated Inventory, 100 ct : 0
Description/Taste
Piñata® apples are a medium to large varietal, averaging 7 to 10 centimeters in diameter, and have a round to conical appearance with flat, broad, and curved shoulders tapering to a narrow base. The apples are fairly uniform in appearance and have a slender, elongated, and fibrous green-brown stem connecting into a narrow stem cavity. The fruit’s shoulders are slightly ribbed, and the skin is smooth, taut, firm, and thin with a faint glossy sheen. The skin also has a golden yellow-orange base hue, covered in large patches of bright red blush and striping. The blush often envelops the fruit’s entire surface, and pale yellow lenticels are scattered across the skin, giving the apple a speckled look. Underneath the surface, the ivory to cream-colored flesh is semi-firm, fine-grained, and aqueous, with a crisp consistency. The flesh also contains a central fibrous core filled with tiny black-brown seeds. Piñata® apples release a honeyed, subtly floral, and melon-like scent when ripe. The apples should feel heavy for their size and have high sugar and acidity levels, creating a sweet, tart, and tangy taste. Piñata® apples also have memorable tropical undertones with vanilla, pineapple, banana, coconut, and honey nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Piñata® apples are available in the late fall through early summer.
Current Facts
Piñata® apples, botanically classified as Malus domestica, are a branded apple belonging to the Rosaceae family. The late-season variety is known by several names worldwide, including Pinova, Sonata, and Corail, but Piñata® is a trademarked name developed by Stemilt Growers in Washington State for exclusive sale in North America. Piñata® apples were developed in the late 20th century in Europe and were later selected by Stemilt for the variety’s resistance to disease, high yields, and extended storage capabilities. Piñata® apples are primarily a fresh-eating cultivar sold as a seasonal delicacy for its memorable, sweet-tart tropical flavor. The apples can also be used in a wide array of raw and cooked culinary preparations and are used by chefs and cooking enthusiasts in sweet and savory recipes.
Nutritional Value
Piñata® apples are a source of vitamin E to reduce inflammation, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, and vitamin C to boost the immune system. The variety also provides calcium to build strong bones and teeth, antioxidants to protect the cells against free radical damage, iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, magnesium to control nerve functioning, and other nutrients, including vitamin K, zinc, boron, and copper.
Applications
Piñata® apples have a sweet and tangy, subtly fruity, and tropical taste suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is popularly consumed straight out of hand and is favored for its distinct flavor. Piñata® apples have thin skin and do not brown very quickly, allowing them to be used in appetizers and preparations where the flesh is exposed for periods of time. The apples can be chopped into salads, sliced and served on cheese boards, layered into sandwiches and burgers, topped over toast, or used as an edible garnish over pancakes, oatmeal, chia seed pudding, and parfaits. Piñata® apples can also be blended into smoothies, pressed into juice for carbonated beverages, or stirred into cocktails. In addition to fresh preparations, Piñata® apples hold their shape well when cooked, making them a popular selection for desserts and baked goods. The apples can be incorporated into pies, crisps, tarts, cakes, and dumplings or baked into muffins, bread, and cookies. The apples are also commonly poached, sauteed in brown sugar and butter, or hollowed, stuffed, and baked as a savory-sweet dessert throughout the United States. Beyond sweet dishes, Piñata® apples complement savory preparations and are cooked with pork, minced into stuffing, or pureed into a sauce and served with roasted meat. The apples can also be dried into rings as a chewy snack. Piñata® apples pair well with herbs such as mint, basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary, meats including pork, poultry, beef, and turkey, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. Whole, unwashed Piñata® apples will keep up to six months in professional cold storage, but consuming the fruits within two months is thought to contribute the best quality and flavor. The apple’s flavor will develop a mellower taste with storage, but the flesh can sometimes soften when stored too long. Piñata® apples should be kept in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer or in a cellar.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Piñata® apples are a trademarked marketing name created by Stemilt Growers in Washington State in the early 21st century. The name Piñata® is a combination of the variety’s two most common names in Europe: Pinova and Sonata. The festive moniker was also selected to embody the apple’s playful, vibrant flavor and highlight the positive characteristics of the fruit. Piñata® apples were rebranded to distinguish the Washington-grown apples from other growers who cultivate the variety under the names of Sonata, Pinova, and Corail. The Mathison family, owners of Stemilt Growers in Washington, first encountered Pinova apples in the news as the variety became popular throughout European markets. The Mathisons planted a few trees in their orchards in Central Washington, and after years of trials, evaluations, and testing, they purchased the rights to grow and market the variety in 2004, creating Piñata® apples.
Geography/History
Piñata® apples are exclusively grown and marketed by Stemilt Growers in Washington State of the United States. The variety has been produced by Stemilt since the early 21st century, and the company purchased the rights from breeders in Europe. Piñata® apples were initially developed at the Fruit Research Institute in Dresden-Pillnitz, eastern Germany. The apple was bred by Johann Schmadlak, Christa Fischer, Heinz Murawski, and Manfred Fischer in the mid-20th century and was created from natural crosses between Golden Delicious and Clivia apples, a variety stemming from Cox’s Orange Pippin and Oldenburg. The newly created cultivar was studied and trialed for over 18 years before being released to commercial markets in Europe under the name Pinova. After their release, Pinova apples were quickly adopted into production and even received a Protected Geographical Indication, PGI, in the Ventosa Valley in Italy. In 2004, the rights to Pinova apples were purchased by Stemilt Growers for cultivation in North America, and in 2010, Stemilt rebranded the variety under the name Piñata®. Today, Stemilt has exclusive control of the production, sale, and branding of Piñata® apples in North America. Stemilt Growers promotes Piñata® apples as their signature variety, and the apples are still grown in Central Washington, where the nutrient-dense volcanic soil, warm, arid climate, and ample sunshine contribute to the fruit’s sweet-tart fruity flavor. When in season, Piñata® apples are cultivated in Washington State and are sold through grocers, distributors, and select specialty stores. Outside the United States, the apples are cultivated under their alternate names in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Piñata® Apples. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Stemilt World famous Fruit |
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Blender Applesauce Bread |
| Stemilt World famous Fruit |
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Apple, Pear & Prosciutto Pizza |
| Stemilt World famous Fruit |
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Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Pinata Apples and Mango Salsa |
