Fuji Apple From Japan: A Look at What Makes Them So Special

 Originating from Japan, this apple variety has gained popularity worldwide, and for good reason. It’s not just an apple. It’s a Fuji apple, and that makes all the difference.

When eating a Fuji apple, you first notice its crisp, satisfying crunch, a sound that echoes in your ears, promising a delightful taste experience. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of tartness and subtle notes of honey and citrus that dance on your palate.

But we’re just scratching the surface here. There’s so much more to learn and appreciate about Fuji apples.

Makes Fuji Apples Different?

Ever since the Fuji apple made its way to the United States, it has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, captivating the hearts of apple enthusiasts all over the country.

Renowned for its delectable sweetness, this apple boasts an impressive Brix (sugar) level ranging from 15 to 18 Brix, rendering it the epitome of sweetness among its peers. It also known for the round shape, come in various sizes, ranging from large to very large. With an average diameter of 75 millimeters (3.0 in), they are visually appealing and satisfying to bite into.

Furthermore, its exceptional storage capabilities make it readily available in stores throughout the year, ensuring that apple lovers can enjoy its exquisite flavor anytime.

The dense flesh of Fuji apples sets them apart from other apple cultivars – it is both sweeter and crisper, providing a delightful crunch with every bite. It is no wonder that Fuji apples have gained popularity among consumers worldwide.

 

How Do Fuji Apples Taste?

When it comes to the taste of Fuji apples, the word that immediately comes to mind is ‘sweet.’ But it’s not just any sweetness. It’s a concentrated, rich sweetness reminiscent of freshly-pressed apple juice. This sweetness is beautifully balanced with a subtle tartness, creating a refreshing and satisfying flavor.

Delightful hints of honey and citrus further enhance the flavor profile of Fuji apples. These flavor notes add a certain depth to the apple’s taste, making every bite a multi-layered taste experience. The honey notes bring a warm, comforting sweetness, while the citrus notes add a zesty twist, making the overall flavor profile of Fuji apples truly memorable.

But the taste experience doesn’t end there. Fuji apples are also known for their crisp texture. Biting into one rewards you with a satisfying crunch, followed by a burst of juicy sweetness. This combination of taste and texture makes Fuji apples a joy to eat, whether you’re enjoying them fresh or using them in your favorite recipes.

 

The Origin of the Fuji Apple

Fuji apples are often mistakenly believed to be named after Mount Fuji. In reality, they derive their name from Fujisaki, a town in Japan where they were originally cultivated. The name “Fuji” was thoughtfully chosen to pay homage to this town, Fujisaki, which is near the research station where this remarkable fruit was first cultivated.

Nowadays, Aomori Prefecture was where the Fuji apple was made, is still currently the best-known apple growing region in Japan with Fuji apple being their made crop. Of the 900,000 tons of apples they plant and grow here annually, 500,000 tons are allocated for growing the Fuji strain alone.

The History of the Fuji Apple

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Fuji apple is that people think that it was born in Japan. Some people think that it has just been there ever since but it was actually a creation of Japanese science once again. It’s like Japan is a blacksmith and the Fuji apple is its masterpiece. Usually, apples are grown in farms or orchards but the Fuji apple was developed by the growers of Tohoku Research Station in the year of 1930. Another misconception is tied to this because a lot of people think that the Fuji apple was named after Mount Fuji but it is actually named after the place where it was created which was in Fujisaki, Aomori.

 

They made the Fuji apple by cross breeding two American apple types. The first being the apple known as the Red Delicious and the second being the Virginia Ralls Genet or “Rawls Jennet”. Japan also did not release it to the public immediately after its creation. It took decades before they did and this might have been to further study the apple strain they created before distributing it worldwide. They opened it to the market in the year of 1962 and it was an instant hit in Japan. The importing of this fruit, however, did not happen until the year of 1980 but once it reached the United States, it did not take much time before it became one of the bestselling apple varieties in the world.

Its high quality has been maintained well and this is backed up by how the lover, users, and enthusiasts of this particular apple continue to grow throughout the years. It has been more than 70 years since it was born into the world and still, no other apple strain has been created that can rival the sweet taste and freshness the Fuji apple offers, especially in Japan where it remains to be the bestseller.

Varieties of Fuji Apples

Fuji apples are a variety, but within this category, there are several sub-varieties, each with unique characteristics. Here are a few:

Red Fuji	This variety is known for its deep red color and slightly higher sugar content. It’s just as crisp as the classic Fuji but with an extra hint of sweetness that makes it a favorite among apple lovers.
Green Fuji	Green Fuji apples are a less common variety. They have a slightly tart flavor profile compared to their red counterparts, offering a refreshing change for those who prefer a less sweet apple.
Striped Fuji	Striped Fuji apples are characterized by their beautiful red stripes over a yellow-green background. They offer the same sweet, crisp taste that Fuji apples are known for.

 

Comparing Fuji Apples with Other Fruits

Fuji apples, like all apples, share similarities with other fruits. Here’s how they compare:

Gala Apples	Gala apples are less sweet than Fuji apples and have thinner skin. They’re also slightly less crisp but have a pleasant, mild flavor.
Honeycrisp Apples	Honeycrisp apples are incredibly juicy with a balanced sweet-tart flavor. They’re less sweet than Fuji apples but are equally crisp.
Asian Pears	Asian pears have a similar crisp texture to Fuji apples. However, their flavor is more delicate and less sweet, with a refreshing juiciness.
Red Delicious Apples	Red Delicious apples are less sweet and crisp than Fuji apples. They have thicker skin and a more earthy flavor profile.

 

How to enjoy Fuji apples?

Did you know that the juice of the Fuji apple contains an impressive amount of sugar, reaching up to 18%? However, despite its sweet nature, the fruit manages to strike a perfect balance between its acidity and tartness, making it a delicious and safe option for even those who don’t have a strong affinity for sugary treats. That means, one of the best ways to enjoy a Fuji apple is to simply eat it raw.

In fact, the flavor profiles attributed to this particular cultivar are pretty diverse, with some describing it as reminiscent of “honey,” others noting a hint of “citrus,” and some even comparing it to the delicate taste of a “pear.” With such a wide range of flavors, there’s no doubt that the Fuji apple is a versatile and enjoyable fruit for all.

Fuji apples, with their delightful combination of ultra-sweetness, crispy texture, and juicy goodness, have become famous for snacking and baking. Their low acidity makes them an ideal option for those who prefer a milder flavor. In addition to being a delicious snack on their own, Fuji apples also lend themselves beautifully to being transformed into homemade baby food or delectable apple kinds of butter.

 

Fuji apples not only provide fantastic flavor but also offer versatility in culinary uses due to their resilient texture. For instance, they hold up well when baked in desserts like apple pies and crisps or when diced into fruit salads for a burst of freshness.

Additionally, the combination of tartness and sweetness makes them perfect for enhancing savory recipes such as pork tenderloin with apples or even cooked down into tangy apple butter.