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Here's an overview of some of the most popular apple cultivars worldwide:
Gala originated in New Zealand as a cross between Kidd's Orange Red and Golden Delicious. It has a mild, sweet flavor with a crisp texture and distinctive red-orange striping over a yellow background. It's one of the top-selling apples globally and is great for fresh eating.
Fuji was developed in Japan in the 1930s from Red Delicious and Ralls Janet parents. It's exceptionally sweet and dense, with a long shelf life. Fuji became hugely popular in Asia and later worldwide, and is now one of the most produced cultivars globally.
Honeycrisp was developed at the University of Minnesota and released in 1991. It quickly became a sensation for its explosive crunch and balanced sweet-tart flavor. It commands premium prices at retail and sparked a wave of breeding programs aimed at replicating its texture.
Granny Smith hails from Australia, discovered as a chance seedling in the 1860s. Its bright green skin and sharp tartness make it a favorite for baking and for those who prefer a less sweet apple.
Red Delicious was once the dominant American apple for decades, prized for its deep red color and elongated shape. Its popularity has declined significantly as consumers have shifted toward more flavorful varieties, but it remains widely grown.
Golden Delicious is a versatile, mildly sweet yellow apple that's a parent of many modern cultivars (including Gala, Cripps Pink, and others). It's popular both for eating fresh and for cooking.
Cripps Pink (sold as Pink Lady™) was bred in Australia and is known for its vibrant pink blush, firm texture, and a tangy-sweet flavor profile. It requires a long growing season and warm climate.
Cosmic Crisp is a newer cultivar from Washington State University (a cross of Honeycrisp and Enterprise), released commercially in 2019. It was designed for excellent flavor, texture, and remarkably long storage life.
Other notable cultivars include Braeburn, Jazz, Envy, SweeTango, and Ambrosia, all of which have carved out significant market share in various regions. The trend in apple breeding has shifted strongly toward crunch, balanced sweetness, and storage quality, largely driven by Honeycrisp's commercial success.
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