[Part 2] Locals teach you how to identify delicious apples so you won't regret buying them!　

Have you ever bought apples at the supermarket, only to find that they were softer than you expected or had a bland flavor when you tried them at home? Even if they look the same, apples vary in texture and sweetness. For those who like crunchy apples, it can be especially disappointing to get a bad apple. However, there are actually some simple ways to tell them apart that can help you avoid making a mistake.

" Part 1: About 50 varieties of apples alone!? Introducing a carefully selected selection of good apples chosen by local Aomori residents for their texture! will introduce points to check to ensure you don't make a mistake when choosing apples that you can check before buying

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

[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!

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/48204

Aomori is Japan's top producer of apples, and needless to say, it's the apple kingdom. While Aomori residents eat apples regularly, sweetness and aroma aren't the only criteria they consider when choosing apples. In fact, many also place importance on texture. This time, we'll introduce some crunchy apples recommended by Aomori residents! In the second part, we'll go into detail about how to tell a good apple from another, so be sure to read that as well. Did you know that Aomori has about 50 varieties of apples? Aomori is home to not only well-known varieties, but also many lesser-known apples. And...

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Appearance characteristics of "delicious apples"

First, let's look at the appearance before you buy. This is a simple but important tip that I learned from an apple farmer in Aomori. Even if you don't have any advanced knowledge, you can judge the appearance after just a few seconds at the supermarket.

The shinier it is, the fresher it is.

Apples with a natural sheen on the surface are fresh and well-moisturized. On the other hand, those that are dry are likely to have been around for a while. However, the sheen varies depending on the variety, so it 's important to check whether the apple has shriveled overall

Choose "heavy" over "light"

If they are the same size, the heavier one is usually denser and tastier. This is evidence that it is packed with water and sugar. If you can compare them by holding them in your hand, you can tell the difference just by picking them up.

The coloring varies depending on the variety, but those with little unevenness are best.

for red apples that they are "deeply colored ." Yellow apples (such as Orin and Shinano Gold) have a natural gradation from yellow-green to yellow. Apples with little overall color unevenness and a beautiful color that spreads all the way to the bottom tend to have a consistent taste.

The aroma tells you when it's ready to eat

The aroma is what we can rely on . Farmers in Aomori often say that the aroma is a sign of taste and ripeness.

A faint fragrance = ripeness is progressing

When you bring an apple close to your nose, if you can smell a faint fragrance, it means it is just ripe. As time passes after harvest and the moisture evaporates, the fragrance tends to weaken. The stronger the fragrance, the juicier and more satisfying the apple will be.

The sweet scent is also a sign of honey

Honey apples are those that have ripened and become sweeter. Even if you can't see the honey, if they have a strong sweet scent, you can expect honey to be present. However, the scent varies greatly depending on the variety, so it's helpful to remember the differences, such as Ourin (a type with a strong scent) having a noticeable scent and Shinano Sweet having a more subtle scent, so you won't be confused.

The point when touched

If you can get hold of the produce before buying it, it's important to touch it. Touch is a very effective way to check its freshness.

The skin is taut

Apples with firm, taut skin are fresh and packed with moisture and sugar. On the other hand, apples with slightly wrinkled skin are a sign that they have lost moisture over time.

There are no soft spots

If there are "soft spots" on the surface of an apple, it is often damaged internally. Most of the time, these are scratches caused by apples being pressed against each other during transport, or other damage. If you press lightly with your finger and feel something strange, it is best to avoid the apple.

Can you tell if it's honey-filled until you cut it?

"I want to eat a honey apple, but I won't know until I cut it..."

For those who think so, I want to tell you that there are some hints that can help you determine whether a certain fruit is "honey-filled" just from its appearance. It's just a rough guide, but from experience, it's pretty accurate.

The bottom part is yellowish

When the fruit is ripe enough to allow nectar to enter, the bottom (bottom part) often turns yellowish. If the fruit is bright red but the bottom is slightly green, it is still young, and the more yellow it is, the sweeter and more nectar you can expect.

Slightly recessed around the shaft

A slight depression around the stem of an apple is a sign that it is ripe. When nectar enters the apple, the moisture and sugar inside it move, which can cause changes around the stem. This is also not 100% accurate, but it can be a good indicator when choosing an apple.

Points to note for each variety (even if they look the same, the quality varies)

San Fuji apples are known for their "weight" and "luster."

For Aomori residents, the word "honey" is synonymous with San Fuji, a variety that pairs well with honey. San Fuji apples grown in Aomori are particularly good at retaining honey, so please check the following points.

• The bottom is yellowish
• Slight dent around the shaft
• Very heavy

If all of these are present, there is a good chance that the fruit contains honey.

Shinano Gold is the "fragrance"

Shinano Gold is a variety that you can enjoy for its crispness and freshness rather than for its nectar.

It's best not to expect much honey,

• There is a sweet scent
• The skin is shiny

These two points are good evidence to check out.

Ourin is known for its "strong fragrance"

Ourin is also known as the king of green apples. You won't find much nectar in it, but it has an excellent sweetness and aroma after biting into it.

• Deep yellow surface
• Not too light, but heavy

If you use these as a guide, you can choose an Oorin that is less likely to come off.

summary

Choosing a delicious apple isn't a matter of luck; if you remember a few tips, you'll be more likely to get a good one. And honey-filled apples aren't a miracle or a coincidence; you can aim for them if you can spot the signs in their appearance and aroma. Remember the key points to distinguishing each variety and use them when choosing apples this year.

Hana Odagiri

A drinking lady who grew up eating delicious food from Aomori. She is a web writer who loves cooking, drinking, and manga.