Top 13 New Zealand Apple Varieties

Although these crisp-fleshed apples with a rosy red skin have New Zealander origins, they are nowadays also grown in numerous other countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Chile. Their sweet and tangy flavor is often compared to peaches and melons. The apples are a cross between Royala Gala and Braeburn varieties, and it is recommended to use them in pies, tarts, salads, and even with some savory dishes. The flavor of Jazz apples pairs well with cheeses such as Cheddar and Gouda and spices such as ginger and cinnamon. Due to the fact that the apples were developed by ENZA, only those growers that are affiliated with ENZA can grow Jazz apples.Expand

Delicious, sweet, and juicy, Envy is an apple variety that is grown in orchards in New Zealand and across the world. The flavor of these apples is crisp and sweet, while their dense flesh stays bright long after they have been cut or sliced. Envy apples are a trademarked brand of the Scilate variety, which is a cross between Braeburn and Royal Gala varieties. Due to the fact that the apples were developed by ENZA, only those growers that are affiliated with ENZA can grow Envy apples.Expand

Gala is a variety of (typically) round-shaped apples characterized by their reddish-yellow color and a firm, crisp, yellow-tinged interior. Their flavor is slightly sweet with hints of vanilla, along with an accompanying floral aroma. The apples were discovered in 1934 in New Zealand by an orchardist named J. H. Kidd. Today, Gala apples are usually consumed fresh or used in salads and sauces.Expand

Braeburn is a variety of apples with a red and yellow skin. Underneath it, there’s flesh that is spicy-sweet in flavor, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. This apple variety was discovered in 1952 in New Zealand by a farmer named O. Moran. The apples are named after the Braeburn Orchard near Motueka. They can be consumed fresh or used in cooking and the production of fruit juices.Expand

This New Zealand apple variety first appeared in Twyford as a red-colored mutation of the Doherty apple. The apples are convex in shape and medium in size, while their skin is characterized by a combination of green and red colors. With a firm, lightly spicy, and sweet flesh, these apples are mainly used in desserts but can also be enjoyed fresh or utilized in the production of cider.Expand

Sonya is an apple variety originating from New Zealand as a cross between Gala and Red Delicious. The apples are very tall and exceptionally sweet. They were released to the market in 2002. The skin is bi-colored with a light or dark red over a creamy yellow background. The texture is very crisp, refreshing, and juicy, while the flavor is reminiscnet of raw sugar cane without any acidity. It's recommended to eat Sonya apples fresh and straight out of the refrigerator. Serve them with cheeses such as Camembert or Manchego.Expand

Dazzle is an apple variety originating from New Zealand. The apples are available from early March to August, and they are characterized by their large size and bright and glossy red skin. The texture of the white flesh is firm, juicy, and crunchy, while the flavors are sweet and full. What makes these apples so good is fresh air, healthy soil, and abundant sunshine under which they grow in New Zealand. The Dazzles also have a long shelf life (they'll keep for a week at room temperature) and in recent years they became a hit with Chinese consumers. The apples can be cooked, but they're best enjoyed fresh and raw as a sweet and healthy snack. Expand

Introduced in New Zealand in 1934, Telstar apples are a hybrid between Golden Delicious and Kidd’s Orange. Medium to large and oblate in form, their skin is green to yellow in color, with streaks of crimson. The flesh of Telstar apples is sweet, crisp, and juicy, which is ideal for eating them fresh.Expand

Queen is an apple variety originating from New Zealand. It's a cross between the Gala and Splendor varieties. These large apples have an intensely red color of the skin, with small creamy speckles. The texture is fine-grained, crisp, and very juicy. The flavor is sweet, but only moderately, with subtle notes of banana and pears. The aroma is light and fruity. Queen apples are especially popular in Asian markets. It's recommended to eat them fresh as a snack, use them in salads, or transform them into juice. For the best results, chill them in the fridge and serve them with bananas and pears.Expand

Breeze is an apple variety hailing from New Zealand. These apples have a pink-red blush with a yellow background. The texture of the white flesh is dense, juicy, and very crisp, while the flavors are sweet and very aromatic. The apples are harvested in mid-February at the peak of their maturity. Sunny skies, rich soil, pure water, and fresh air all contribute to the appearance, texture, and flavor of these early New Zealander apples. It’s recommended to use Breeze apples in salads, either sweet or savory.Expand