[Part 1] About 50 varieties of apples alone!? Introducing a carefully selected selection of high-quality apples chosen by local Aomori residents for their texture!

Aomori is the number one apple producer in Japan, and it goes without saying that it is the apple kingdom. Aomori residents eat apples on a regular basis, but when choosing apples, they don't just look at sweetness and aroma. In fact, many people also place importance on texture.

This time, we'll be introducing some crunchy apples recommended by Aomori residents! In the second part, we'll be introducing in detail how to tell if an apple is delicious, so be sure to read that as well.

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Did you know that Aomori has about 50 varieties of apples?

Aomori is home to not only famous apple varieties, but also many lesser-known varieties. What's more, each variety has a completely different texture. Knowing these differences will make choosing apples that much more fun.

There are about 50 varieties, but many of them are hard to find.

It's said that there are 15,000 varieties of apples in the world and 2,000 in Japan, with around 50 varieties grown in Aomori, the apple kingdom. However, not all of them are available in supermarkets. There are apples that are suitable for eating fresh, for juice or sweets, or for storage and enjoyment until early spring, and they come in a variety of uses, flavors, and textures. For that reason, when you try to buy apples directly from a local farm or farmer, you might be left wondering, "I've heard the name, but what's the texture like?" If you're going to order apples online, you want to choose apples with the texture you prefer.

The texture varies depending on the variety!

Apples vary in sweetness and sourness depending on the variety, and their texture changes dramatically too. Some have a crisp sound the moment you bite into them, while others are softer and juicier, making for a truly diverse range of apples. That's why knowing the characteristics of each variety makes it easier to choose one that suits your preferences, whether you like it crunchy or just the right amount of soft. You'll avoid the disappointment of finding an apple that's too mushy and not quite to your liking, and you'll likely end up liking apples more than ever before.

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Introducing the "Crunchy Apples" Recommended by Aomori Prefecture Residents

Even though they're all apples, the texture and sweetness can vary greatly depending on the variety. Here, we'll introduce varieties that Aomori residents confidently recommend for those who simply love a crisp texture. We'll also look at whether they're suitable for eating raw or processing.

Toki | Refreshing and sweet scent

While relatively soft compared to other yellow apples, it maintains a pleasantly crisp texture. It's intensely sweet with a refined aroma,want to enjoy a refreshing sweetness. Its low acidity makes it suitable for eating fresh.

The harvest season is from late September to early October, and as they appear on store shelves early, they are also a sign that autumn is coming.

Jonagold | Double punch of sweetness and sourness. Lots of juice.

Jonagold apples have a gorgeous red appearance. They are characterized by a strong balance of sweetness and sourness. They are also very juicy and have a strong, crunchy texture when you bite into them. Their robust flavor makes them suitable for both eating raw and preparing them into apple pies and other dishes.

The harvest season is from early to mid-October. When stored, the acidity subsides and the sweetness comes to the forefront, allowing you to enjoy the changes that occur.

Shinano Sweet | Crisp and light, yet distinctly sweet

As its name suggests, this apple is very sweet, but has a firm, crisp texture. Its mild acidity makes it popular with a wide range of people, from children to adults. It is red in color and juicy with lots of juice. It is best eaten raw.

The harvest season is around mid-October. It can be enjoyed earlier than San Fuji and is popular among Aomori residents as a variety that "feels like autumn is starting."

Shinano Gold: A yellow apple with a good balance of sweetness and acidity

A representative yellow apple. The flesh is firm and has a pleasant "crisp" sound when biting into it. It is not only sweet but also has a strong acidity, leaving a refreshing aftertaste, making it a popular flavor among adults. It is suitable not only for eating raw, but also for processing into baked apples and salads. It is harvested around mid-October. It has an elegant fragrance and is a type of yellow apple that is popular with everyone.

By the way, although the name is similar to Shinano Sweet, it is not a difference between a pouched and an unpouched variety like Fuji (pouched) and San Fuji (unpouched). The parents of the crossbreed are different, so the flavors are completely different.

Fuji | Longer shelf life and more consistent taste than San Fuji

Although its name is similar to "Sun Fuji," this is aFuji apple. Its flavor profile is similar to Sun Fuji, with a rich sweetness and abundant juice. The texture is slightly firm and crisp. Many of them are a deep red color, making them visually appealing. With low acidity, it's perfect for eating raw. If you're going to process it, it's best suited for fresh salads. The harvest season is from the end of October to November, and it has excellent storage properties.

San Fuji | If you can't decide, try this. The king of crunchy textures

When you think of Aomori, you think of "Sun Fuji" apples. It's a variety with that much presence. The flesh is firm and dense, making a crisp "snap" sound when you bite into it. It's very sweet with a mild acidity. It's also very juicy, so a refreshing aroma wafts out when you bite into it. The color is often a vibrant red, making it ideal for eating fresh.

The harvest season is around November, and they can be stored carefully and enjoyed throughout the winter and spring. These apples are consistently crunchy and rated by Aomori residents as having an unmistakable taste.

Ourin | Crisp texture and mellow aroma

people in Aomori Prefecture often say, "If you want a fragrant apple, go for Ohrin." It has a firm, crisp texture. With a strong sweetness and low acidity, it's a mild and easy-to-eat variety. It's a popular choice among yellow apples and is best enjoyed fresh.

The harvest season is around November. It has excellent storage properties and can be enjoyed throughout winter and spring. This variety is recommended for those who want a sweet, easy-to-eat yellow apple.

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summary

Aomori has about 50 varieties of apples, and the texture, sweetness, and acidity vary greatly depending on the variety. Once you find your favorite variety, choosing apples will be even more fun!

In the next article, we will introduce you to a surefire way to distinguish between apples, so please look forward to the second part.

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