The familiar proverb “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” has made this fruit a staple in many households worldwide. But did you know that the shape, color, and taste of apples have played a fascinating role in giving each variety its unique and fun name?
Granny Smith: The Accidental Aussie Icon
The Granny Smith apple has one of the most heartwarming origin stories. Dating back to 1868, it’s named after Maria Ann Smith, a British-Australian grandmother who discovered bright green apples growing on her property in New South Wales. She found this fascinating and began cultivating them. Interestingly, she had been experimenting with planting French crab apples, and one of them cross-pollinated, creating an entirely new variety! The new variant turned out to be tart, firm, and perfect for pies. “Granny Smith” was forever preserved, and in the woman’s honor, Australia hosts the Granny Smith Festival every October!
Red Delicious: A Name Made for Marketing
Red Delicious apples got their name for their bright red color and sweet flavor. Discovered in Iowa in the 1870s, this apple was initially known as the “Hawkeye.” Later, Stark Brothers Nursery bought the rights and renamed it Red Delicious to highlight its vibrant color and appeal to shoppers. The name was a marketing masterstroke that helped the variety dominate the US apple market for decades.
Fascinatingly, despite its flavour becoming more bland due to mass production, the name stuck. Red Delicious was once the most popular apple in the US. before being overtaken by newer varieties like Gala and Fuji.
Honeycrisp: Born in a Lab, Loved by All
The Honeycrisp apple got its name thanks to its taste and texture. Unlike heritage apples that come from backyard orchards, Honeycrisp was developed by agricultural scientists at the University of Minnesota in 1991. The name reflects its sweet, honey-like flavor and satisfying crunch.
Honeycrisp apples are so high in water content that they literally crack when bitten, thanks to large, juicy cells that burst open!
Gala: A Royal Name for a Sweet Star
The Gala apple was created by crossing Golden Delicious and Kidd’s Orange Red. The name “Gala” is believed to reflect its celebratory and attractive appearance with red and yellow streaked skin. It is one of the sweetest apple varieties available.
Did you know? Galas became one of the top-selling apples in the US thanks to their long shelf life and year-round availability!
Fuji: A Japanese Marvel
Fuji apples were developed in Japan by crossing Red Delicious and Ralls Janet. The name is a nod to the town of Fujisaki as well as Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. Known for their incredible sweetness and extended storage capability, Fujis can stay crisp and fresh for months.
Fun fact: Fuji apples contain more sugar than most other varieties, making them a favourite for snacking and juicing.
Braeburn: A Chance Seedling
The Braeburn apple was discovered as a natural seedling near Braeburn Orchard in New Zealand. The grower didn’t know which varieties had cross-pollinated to create it, but the resulting apple had a delightful sweet-tart balance and crisp texture.
Braeburn apples, named after their place of discovery, are known for their spicy-sweet flavor, naturally carrying notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pink Lady: A Name Made to Pop
Developed in Western Australia, Cripps Pink apples were bred by crossing Golden Delicious and Lady Williams. The name “Pink Lady” was devised as a way to market the brand globally, reflecting its blushing pink skin and feminine charm. It became one of the first apples to be sold as a brand, with strict standards for quality and taste.
Did you know? Due to the strict standards, only Cripps Pink apples that meet specific sugar and firmness standards can be sold under the Pink Lady label.
Golden Delicious: Sweet Gold from West Virginia
Golden Delicious apples got their name from their bright yellow-gold color and rich flavor. It was first discovered on a farm in West Virginia in the early 1900s and was initially known as the “Mullins Yellow Seedling.” However, the name later got a makeover and is now known as Golden Delicious because of its appealing skin and taste, which attracted buyers across the globe.
Fun fact: Despite their similar names, Golden Delicious apples are not related to Red Delicious!
Conclusion
From grandmas and local towns to marketing minds and scientists, the names of apples are more than just labels; they tell stories of discovery, creativity, and even national pride. The next time you pick up an apple, think about the journey it took to earn its name and flavor.
So, what’s your favorite apple? Now that you know the story behind it, do you see it a little differently?
