Natyra® Apples
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Natyra® apples are a medium to large varietal, averaging 7 to 8.5 centimeters in diameter and 6 to 7 centimeters in length, and have a somewhat uniform, round to conical shape with broad, sloping shoulders tapering to a narrow base. The apples range from 190 to 230 grams in weight, depending on the region and growing conditions, and the stalk is typically long, woody, and semi-thick, connected to the fruit through a narrow cavity. Some textured russeting may also occur within the cavity. The fruit’s skin is thick, smooth, semi-glossy, and taut, occasionally showcasing a pale bloom on the surface that can be easily wiped and removed. The skin also ripens to exhibit a yellow or yellow-green base, almost entirely covered in red to dark red blush. The blush envelops 70 to 90% of the fruit’s surface and is comprised of mottling and striping. The bi-colored apple also has numerous lenticels scattered across the surface. Underneath the skin, the cream-colored flesh is moderately grainy, firm, and aqueous with a crisp, crunchy, and cracking consistency without being overly hard to chew. The flesh also encases a central fibrous core filled with tiny black-brown seeds. Natyra® apples are aromatic and have a scent reminiscent of a blend of spices and moss with subtle fruity and floral nuances. The variety is edible raw when ripe and contains a sugar content of 12.5 to 14.5 Brix combined with ample acidity. Natyra® apples have a sweet and sour taste with delicate notes of citrus, pears, kiwi, pineapple, and peaches.
Seasons/Availability
Natyra® apples are harvested in the fall through mid-winter. In some regions, the variety may ripen closer to late fall, and when properly stored, the fruits can be kept through the spring.
Current Facts
Natyra® apples, botanically classified as Malus domestica, are a modern European variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The mid-to-late season apples grow upright, spreading trees around three meters in height, and the fruits ripen in approximately 160 to 170 days. Natyra® is a brand or trade name for organically produced apples of the variety SQ159 or WUR200. Apples that are only grown using organic methods in organic orchards can be labeled under the Natyra® name, and the apples are sometimes marketed as Natyra® Bio, another organic term. Natyra® apples were selected for commercial release as they fill a gap in the apple market for an organic variety that appears later in the harvest season. The apples are also resistant to the fungus apple scab, or Venturia inaequalis, and have extended storage properties. Natyra® apples are somewhat challenging to cultivate, but growers favor the apples for their high juice content, storage capabilities, and sweet and sour flavor. It is important to note that Natyra® apples are the organic versions of the apple variety SQ159. This variety is also sold under other brand names, including Magic Star®, Kentish Kiss, and Sprank, but these names are used for non-organically grown fruits. Natyra® apples are a multi-purpose variety utilized by consumers in a wide array of fresh and cooked, sweet and savory culinary preparations.
Nutritional Value
Natyra® apples, like other modern, bi-colored varieties, may be a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract, calcium to build strong bones and teeth, and potassium to balance fluid levels within the body. The apples also provide vitamin C to boost the immune system, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, magnesium to control nerve functions, phosphorus to repair tissues, iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, and other nutrients, including copper, zinc, manganese, vitamin K, and vitamin E. The apple's pigmented skin contains anthocyanins, natural compounds with antioxidant-like properties that protect the cells against free radical damage.
Applications
Natyra® apples have a sweet and sour flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is edible raw, out of hand, and can be utilized in any preparation, calling for dessert apples. Natyra® apples can be chopped and tossed into salads, mixed into fruit medleys and grain bowls, or sliced and layered into sandwiches. The apples can also be used as a topping for pizzas, parfaits, and overnight oats or blended into simple smoothies. In addition to fresh preparations, Natyra® apples are popularly added to the batter of waffles and pancakes, baked into strudels, muffins, cakes, and bread, or baked whole as a decadent dessert. The apples can also be simmered into sauces, chutney, jams, and jellies or blended and frozen into a refreshing sorbet. Beyond sweet preparations, Natyra® apples can be served in savory dishes, including soups, meat-centric main dishes, and roasted side dishes. Natyra® apples pair well with sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts such as walnuts, pecans, and almonds, balsamic vinegar, vanilla, spices such as paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and meats including lamb, pork, beef, and poultry. Whole, unwashed Natyra® apples will keep for several weeks to months when stored in a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a cellar or in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In 2022, Natyra® apples were notably promoted among industry professionals at a sanctioned “Natyra® Day” at a test station in Randwijk, Netherlands. The marketing event was hosted by Fresh Forward Breeding & Marketing and was held on August 17th, 2022. More than seventy apple growers and specialists attended the event, and the promotional day featured a program of researchers, producers, and scientists to share the experiences surrounding growing and selling Natyra® apples. Tours were also hosted in October for professionals to visit Natyra®-focused orchards, and attendees appreciated the apples for their extended shelf life.
Geography/History
Natyra® apples are native to the Netherlands and were developed in 1990. The variety was created from a controlled cross between Elise apples, the female parent, and a scab-resistant, unnamed cultivar labeled as CPRO 1980 015-47, the male parent, through PRI Wageningen, also known as Wageningen University & Research, a research breeding program a part of Wageningen University. The goal of the controlled cross was to create a variety with improved resistance to diseases, extended storage capabilities, and enhanced flavor. Seeds from this cross were planted in the fall of 1990, and the seedlings were cultivated for two years before they were transplanted in 1993 in a field in Gelderland, Netherlands. In 1995 and 1996, seven seedlings were selected and grafted onto ‘M9’ rootstock and were later planted in 1998 for evaluation. Trials were also conducted at the Prüfstelle Wurzen Testing station in Germany in 2012 and 2013. After extensive testing, the newly selected variety was named SQ159 and was also labeled by breeders as WUR200. Fresh Forward, a European fruit breeder based in the Netherlands, worked closely with Wageningen University to help commercialize the variety. SQ159 was given the marketing names of Magic Star® and Natyra®, with Natyra® being the name exclusively for organically grown apples. Today, Natyra® apples are planted in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and France, and the variety has also been introduced to select grower partners in Canada and the United States. When in season, Natyra® apples are sold through strategic partners throughout Europe and North America in supermarkets, specialty grocers, and distributors.
