Apple growers unveil a new twist on the classic fruit
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Step back in time to the 1800s, when orchardist Maria Ann Smith stumbled upon a treasure that would change the apple world forever: the Granny Smith apple.
Fast forward to today, and the Australian apple industry is booming, valued at over half a billion dollars annually! With over 300,000 tonnes of apples grown each year, it's clear that this is no ordinary endeavour — it's a juicy, fruitful adventure!
From the iconic Granny Smiths to the beloved Golden Delicious, Australian growers have been working tirelessly to cultivate the perfect apple. But they didn't stop there!
Through centuries of innovation, scientific research, and daring trial-and-error, they have crafted a whole new array of modern apple varieties that are taking the world by storm.
Perhaps the most noteworthy of these is the new red-fleshed Kissabel apple.
Developed over a decade-long crossbreeding process between a crabapple and a traditional eating apple in France, the Kissabel is unlike anything you've ever tasted.
According to Rowan Little from The Orchard at Montague in Melbourne, this apple is even sweeter than the classic Granny Smith but with a similar level of acidity that gives it a tangy twist.
But that's not all that makes the Kissabel apple special. Each one is unique, with different hues of red and pink swirled throughout its flesh. Cut it open to reveal a stunning tapestry of colours.
It's no wonder that apple lovers all over the world are falling head over heels for it!
Creating the perfect apple is no easy feat, and Mr Little knows this firsthand. He revealed that developing the Kissabel apple took a lot of trial and error, with no genetic modification processes used.
Instead, the process was all about good old-fashioned crossbreeding, where the pollen from one apple is manually transferred to the flowers of another tree. This is a delicate process that requires skilled hands and the help of hard-working bees to ensure the right pollen is transferred to the right flower.
From there, it's all about patience and persistence. The seeds harvested from these crosses are grown into new trees, and the process is repeated again and again until the desired traits are achieved.
And finally, after four generations of crossbreeding, the Kissabel apple was born!
Although it may not be available in your local supermarket or greengrocer just yet, the Kissabel is worth seeking out for its unique and delicious flavour.
Mr Little shared that the Kissabel apple will initially be available in limited quantities, so it may come at a higher price point. But don't let that discourage you - as more trees are planted and yields increase, the availability and affordability of the Kissabel will improve.
The apple industry is no stranger to the challenges of bringing new varieties to market, with low yields from young trees being a common issue. But growers like Mr Little are determined to overcome these obstacles and bring the best possible fruit to consumers.
So, keep your eyes peeled for the Kissabel apple at select stores, and be one of the first to experience its taste and unique beauty.
Innovation in the apple industry is a continuous process, with growers constantly striving to develop new varieties that are even more delicious and nutritious than before. The story of the Kissabel apple is just one example of this, highlighting the dedication and hard work of growers like Mr Little and their quest to bring something new to the table.
As consumers, we have the power to support these efforts by seeking out and trying new apple varieties when we can!
So members, what do you think of the Kissabel apple? Are you excited to try it out? And what other fruit varieties have you discovered lately that have blown you away? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Fast forward to today, and the Australian apple industry is booming, valued at over half a billion dollars annually! With over 300,000 tonnes of apples grown each year, it's clear that this is no ordinary endeavour — it's a juicy, fruitful adventure!
From the iconic Granny Smiths to the beloved Golden Delicious, Australian growers have been working tirelessly to cultivate the perfect apple. But they didn't stop there!
Through centuries of innovation, scientific research, and daring trial-and-error, they have crafted a whole new array of modern apple varieties that are taking the world by storm.
The red-fleshed Kissabel apple has been developed by crossing a crabapple with a traditional eating apple, creating a sweeter fruit with different hues of red, pink, and white flesh. Credit: Montague.
Perhaps the most noteworthy of these is the new red-fleshed Kissabel apple.
Developed over a decade-long crossbreeding process between a crabapple and a traditional eating apple in France, the Kissabel is unlike anything you've ever tasted.
According to Rowan Little from The Orchard at Montague in Melbourne, this apple is even sweeter than the classic Granny Smith but with a similar level of acidity that gives it a tangy twist.
But that's not all that makes the Kissabel apple special. Each one is unique, with different hues of red and pink swirled throughout its flesh. Cut it open to reveal a stunning tapestry of colours.
It's no wonder that apple lovers all over the world are falling head over heels for it!
Creating the perfect apple is no easy feat, and Mr Little knows this firsthand. He revealed that developing the Kissabel apple took a lot of trial and error, with no genetic modification processes used.
Instead, the process was all about good old-fashioned crossbreeding, where the pollen from one apple is manually transferred to the flowers of another tree. This is a delicate process that requires skilled hands and the help of hard-working bees to ensure the right pollen is transferred to the right flower.
From there, it's all about patience and persistence. The seeds harvested from these crosses are grown into new trees, and the process is repeated again and again until the desired traits are achieved.
And finally, after four generations of crossbreeding, the Kissabel apple was born!
The Kissabel apple will initially be hard to come by and expensive, but its price and availability are expected to improve over time. Credit: Montague.
Although it may not be available in your local supermarket or greengrocer just yet, the Kissabel is worth seeking out for its unique and delicious flavour.
Mr Little shared that the Kissabel apple will initially be available in limited quantities, so it may come at a higher price point. But don't let that discourage you - as more trees are planted and yields increase, the availability and affordability of the Kissabel will improve.
The apple industry is no stranger to the challenges of bringing new varieties to market, with low yields from young trees being a common issue. But growers like Mr Little are determined to overcome these obstacles and bring the best possible fruit to consumers.
So, keep your eyes peeled for the Kissabel apple at select stores, and be one of the first to experience its taste and unique beauty.
Innovation in the apple industry is a continuous process, with growers constantly striving to develop new varieties that are even more delicious and nutritious than before. The story of the Kissabel apple is just one example of this, highlighting the dedication and hard work of growers like Mr Little and their quest to bring something new to the table.
As consumers, we have the power to support these efforts by seeking out and trying new apple varieties when we can!
So members, what do you think of the Kissabel apple? Are you excited to try it out? And what other fruit varieties have you discovered lately that have blown you away? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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