A Magical Apple (almost)

Even if you didn’t know its intriguing name, one look at this beautiful fruit would clue you that this is no ordinary apple. The multi-tonal shades of red, orange and yellow—like a sunrise in the Cascades—fits the name—Piñata. But a bite into the perfect, sweet flesh confirms that this is one appealing apple that will delight your senses. From the  Stemilt Orchards, (Stemilt is Native American for "foothills”) this delightful fruit has a high sugar and acid level and an intriguing tropical twist and satisfyingly juicy crunch. 2010 is the first time the heirloom varietal will be available broadly throughout the United States.

 Piñata apples thrive in Washington’s ideal growing conditions and are picked exclusively by Stemilt in October, during the middle of Washington’s apple harvest, yet remains in storage beyond the autumn months in order to reach its peak.

  This elegant new apple is a cross between Golden Delicious, Cox’s Orange Pippin and the Duchess of Oldenburg varieties. (A European favorite under the names Pinova or Sonata, the Piñata is a result of nearly two decades of development at the apple-breeding program in Dresden-Pillnitz, Germany. It was selected as the 2001 Apple of the Year in Germany. )

   They knew had found a fruit rarity that was  well suited for the Washington climate, so Stemilt Growers purchased the exclusive rights to grow and market this new apple in the United States and changed the name to Piñata to better highlight the apple’s stimulating attributes.  

  The Piñata resists browning when sliced  and makes a satisfying snack by itself but characteristics like a thin skin and crisp texture, means it adapts well to cooking temperatures, making it an ideal apple for both baking and poaching.

   But don’t take our word for it—try them yourself. You will not be disappointed. This is an apple worthy of a mythic legend. Apples were prominently featured in several Greek myths. The queen, Hera, possessed a few singular apple trees that were presented to her by Gaia. The magical fruit of these trees was sweet and shimmered like the sun. You might just feel a bit like Hera holding this almost-glowing fruit in your hand and then taking a delicious, regal bite.

 The Piñata Apples should be available at Price Chopper, Food Emporium, King Kullen  Food Emporium,  Foodtown, Wegmans,  Hannaford, and others.

http://www.stemilt.com

http://www.stemilt.com/Pinata/Pages/default.aspx