Autumn Glory® Apples
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Autumn Glory® apples are a medium to large varietal, averaging 7 to 10 centimeters in diameter, and have a round to conical shape with broad, flat shoulders tapering to a blocky base. The apple's skin is semi-thin, smooth, and taut with a faint sheen, showcasing yellow-green hues covered in light to dark red blush. The blush can be opaque or transparent, often featuring maroon streaking and broken striping. Underneath the surface, the ivory to cream-colored flesh is firm, dense, coarse, and aqueous with a crisp, crunchy consistency. The flesh also encases a small central core filled with tiny black-brown seeds. Autumn Glory® apples release a fruity, cider-like aroma when ripe. The variety can be consumed fresh or cooked and is high in sugar and low in acid, creating a warm, sugary-sweet taste with caramel and spice-filled nuances. The cinnamon notes are experienced in the lingering aftertaste of the fruit, leaving a warmth reminiscent of the spice.
Seasons/Availability
Autumn Glory® apples are available in mid-fall through spring. Conventionally grown apples are found from October through June, while organically grown apples are sold from October through March.
Current Facts
Autumn Glory® apples, botanically classified as Malus domestica, are an American variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The sweet fruits grow on trees reaching 2 to 6 meters in height and were developed in Washington in the late 20th century. Autumn Glory® apples are a modern apple cultivar favored for their sweet taste and versatility in fresh or cooked culinary preparations. The variety complements both sweet and savory dishes and was named for its cinnamon and caramel undertones, a flavor said to embody the spirit of fall. In the modern day, Autumn Glory® apples are exclusively marketed, grown through select partners, and sold through Domex Superfresh Growers, a company based in Washington. The apples are one of Washinton state's most popular modern varieties and are seasonally sold as a delicacy.
Nutritional Value
Autumn Glory® apples are a source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, and calcium to protect bones and teeth. The apples also provide vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, iron to produce the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, copper to develop connective tissues, and other nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, boron, zinc, and vitamin K. The apple's pigmented skin contains anthocyanins, natural compounds with antioxidant-like properties that protect the cells against free radical damage.
Applications
Autumn Glory® apples have a sweet, spice-filled flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety's crisp and juicy texture can be enjoyed straight out of hand or sliced and served with caramel, chocolate, or nut butter. Autumn Glory® apples can also be shredded into slaws, tossed into salads, layered onto sandwiches, or used as an edible topping over breakfast dishes. Try adding Autumn Glory® apples into lettuce wraps, serving on charcuterie boards, mixing into parfaits, or slicing for salsa. The variety can also be thinly sliced and placed on a crostini, chopped into salsa, or pureed into apple sauce. In addition to raw dishes, Autumn Glory® apples can be blended into smoothies, ciders, juices, and cocktails or used in desserts and baked goods. Autumn Glory® apples hold their shape well and retain their sweet taste in dishes, making them suitable for baking galettes, tarts, streusels, pies, and galettes. The apples can also be added to cupcakes, cookies, and pies, wrapped in pastry and baked, or grilled and topped with vanilla ice cream. Beyond sweet dishes, Autumn Glory® apples are commonly minced and stirred into stuffing, packed into meats, or roasted as a savory side to pork. The variety is also pressed into meatballs, used as a topping over nachos, fried into fritters, or stirred into rice-based dishes. Autumn Glory® apples pair well with cheeses such as goat, cheddar, gouda, and parmesan, meats such as pork, poultry, and turkey, and nuts including pecans, walnuts, almonds, and pine. Whole, unwashed Autumn Glory® apples will keep for several weeks when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cellar or refrigerator. The apples can also be dried or frozen for extended use. When dried, Autumn Glory® apples have a chewy consistency, favored for use in trail mix, granola bars, and as a stand-alone snack.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Autumn Glory® apples were a gift between two American Governors during Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. Lt. Governor Brad Owen of Washington State bet Lt. Governor Karyn Polito of Massachusetts that the Seattle Seahawks would beat the New England Patriots. The wager was made in good fun, and both Governors agreed to make a donation to a local food pantry of the winner's selection. Lt. Governor Owen declared he would wager Washinton State-themed gifts, including salmon, Autumn Glory® apples, and wine, while Lt. Governor Polito wagered Massachusetts-themed gifts such as cannoli and craft beer. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks, winning the Super Bowl, and Lt. Governor Owen kept his end of the deal and sent Lt. Governor Polito a box of Autumn Glory® apples. The apples were delivered to the Governor by Howard Nager, Vice President of Marketing at Domex Superfresh Growers. Superfresh also donated over one ton of Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Fuji apples to NW Harvest, a Washinton State hunger relief agency.
Geography/History
Autumn Glory® apples are native to Washington State and were developed through breeder Dr. Yu Lin Wang in 1976. The hybrid variety was created from a cross between Fuji and Golden Delicious apples, but after their creation, they were not released to commercial markets until several decades later. In 2011, Domex Superfresh Growers purchased the rights to the variety and released Autumn Glory® apples to select commercial markets along the West Coast. Autumn Glory® apples became a registered trademark of Superfresh in 2018 under No. 5533518. Since their release, Autumn Glory® apples have expanded in production and are being offered throughout North America.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Autumn Glory® Apples. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Marisa Moore Nutrition |
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Apple Sweet Potato Toast with Maple Tahini Drizzle |
