Overview

Fuji Apples

Fuji apples are typically large or very large and round, on average 75mm in diameter. They contain between 9-11% sugars by weight and have a dense flesh that is sweeter and crisper than many other apple varieties, making them popular with consumers around the world. Fuji apples also have a very long shelf life compared to other apples, even without refrigeration. With refrigeration, Fuji apples can remain fresh for up to a year.

In Japan, Fuji apples continue to be an unrivaled best-seller. Japanese consumers prefer the crispy texture and sweetness of Fuji apples (which is somewhat reminiscent of the coveted Nashi Pear) almost to the exclusion of other varieties and Japan's apple imports remain low. Aomori Prefecture is perhaps the best known apple growing region of Japan. Of the roughly 900,000 tons of Japanese apples produced annually, 500,000 tons come from Aomori.

Outside of Japan the popularity of Fuji apples continues to grow. Fuji apples account for 80% of China's 20 million tons grown annually[citation needed]. Since their introduction into the U.S. market in the 1980s, Fuji apples have gained popularity with American consumers as well: a stranger to American supermarket shelves only 30 years ago, Fuji apples ranked at number 4 in 2003 on the US Apple Association's list of most popular apples, after Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Gala. Fuji apples are now grown in traditional apple-growing states such as Washington, New York, and California as demand shifts in both the domestic and foreign markets toward Fuji apples. Washington, the grower of more than half of America's apple crop, produces about 135,000 tons of Fuji apples each year, with only Red Delicious and Golden Delicious outweighing Fuji.

Characteristics

A cross of Red Delicious and Ralls Janet. A very attractive modern apple, crisp, sweet-flavored, and keeps well.

Fuji is surely one of the more attractive modern apple varieties. Its main characteristic is the lovely pink speckled flush over a yellow-green background. It is also crisp and juicy, with dull white flesh which snaps cleanly. The flavor is predominantly sweet, very refreshing (especially if slightly chilled), but not particularly outstanding.

Fuji Apples As you might expect, Fuji comes from Japan, where it was developed in the 1940s and released in 1962. However its parentage is all-American. Fuji is a cross between the widely grown Red Delicious, and Ralls Janet, which is much less well known but is probably the reason for Fuji's attractive pink flush.

Fuji apples are quite widely grown, the main northern hemisphere production comes from Japan, China and the USA. Fuji is a late-ripening apple variety, and becomes available in November/December northern hemisphere orchards) and May/June (southern hemisphere orchards). Fuji apples need lots of sunshine to ripen properly so it is not grown commercially in the UK or northern USA.

In some ways it is surprising that Fuji is not a more popular variety, given its excellent appearance. The obvious comparison is with Pink Lady, and in many respects Fuji has the better appearance - the pink flush has a lighter background and the skin texture feels clean and dry compared to the sheen of Pink Lady. Of course Fuji, being an older variety, does not have the same degree of marketing effort, which has supported the rise of Pink Lady. Also, it has to be said that the color variation of Fuji is quite wide, ranging from light pink to crimson pink - some of this being the result of the development of a number of sports and variations on the original.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 large (3-1/4" dia) (approx 2 per lb)

Amount Per Serving

Calories from Fat 3Calories 109

% Daily Values*

Total Fat 0.36g 1%

Saturated Fat 0.06g 0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.107g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.015g

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 2mg 0%

Potassium 227mg

Total Carbohydrate 29.27g 10%

Dietary Fiber 5.1g 20%

Sugars 22.04g

Protein 0.56g

Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 8%

Calcium 1% Iron 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Nutrition Values are based on USDA Nutrient Database SR18

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