Opal (apple)

Opal (apple) is a variety of apple that was first cultivated in the Czech Republic. It is a cross between the 'Golden Delicious' and 'Topaz' apple varieties. The Opal apple is known for its bright yellow color, crisp texture, and sweet, tangy flavor.

History

The Opal apple was first developed in the 1990s by the Institute of Experimental Botany in the Czech Republic. It was created as part of a breeding program aimed at developing new apple varieties with superior taste and resistance to disease. The Opal apple was introduced to the United States market in 2010 by FirstFruits Marketing of Washington.

Characteristics

Opal apples are medium to large in size and have a round to conical shape. The skin is smooth, bright yellow, and may have a slight orange blush. The flesh is crisp, juicy, and a pale yellow color. The flavor is sweet with a hint of tartness, similar to a 'Golden Delicious'.

Opal apples are also known for their natural resistance to browning, which makes them an excellent choice for fresh eating and for use in salads. They are also good for baking and cooking.

Cultivation

Opal apples are grown in several countries around the world, including the United States, the Czech Republic, and Germany. In the United States, they are primarily grown in the state of Washington, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for apple cultivation.

Opal apple trees are hardy and resistant to many common apple diseases. They are also self-fertile, which means they do not require another apple variety to pollinate and produce fruit.

See also

• List of apple cultivars
• Apple
• Golden Delicious
• Topaz (apple)