Envy™ Apples, with their signature sweet taste and juicy content, are a unique variety of apples characterized by a classic red hue and a rounded shape. They are well-known for their sweet flavor and crispy texture, offering a gratifying crunch when consumed raw. Remarkably, the flesh of Envy Apples slowly browns once cut, making them an ideal choice for apple slices and salads. Their rapidly growing popularity has positioned them as one of the top specialty club apples.
The popularity surge of Envy™ apples isn’t accidental. Keep reading to discover more about this desirable variety.
What are Envy Apples?
Envy is an exclusive brand of the Scilate apple variety, a hybrid of the Royal Gala and Braeburn apples, developed in New Zealand by HortResearch. This apple unique breed was introduced to the patent world in 2008 and secured its patent in 2009.
The Envy apple stands out with its primarily red skin sprinkled with yellow specks. Its peel is notably thick and firm, while the flesh offers a delightful pale yellow color. Its sweetness, low acidity, and subtly floral taste make it a preferred choice for many apple lovers.
North America was introduced to the Envy Apple in 2009, thanks to the efforts of the Oppenheimer Group and ENZA (The New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Board). Its commercial cultivation started on a small scale in Washington state in 2012. The first significant milestone was achieved in 2014 when production surpassed 100,000 cartons. It’s projected that by 2020, harvests would reach an impressive 2 million cartons.
Envy apples are cultivated under license in several parts of the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Washington (U.S.), and Chile. Field tests are also being conducted in the UK, France, and Italy, where organic cultivation methods are implemented.
Envy Apples Nutrition
Envy™ apples are more than just a delightful treat. They are a rich source of dietary fiber for smooth digestion, Vitamin C for bolstering immunity and reducing inflammation, and ample potassium to maintain your body’s fluid balance.
Furthermore, these apples are a fantastic source of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin K aids in speedy wound healing and other nutrients such as boron, Vitamin E, zinc, copper, iron, and B vitamins.
What’s more, Envy™ apples may be packed with phytochemical compounds that defend your cells and body from damage caused by free radicals. When you savor Envy™ apples, you’re not just enjoying their exquisite taste but also nurturing your health.
Nutrition Facts | Per Serving (1 Medium Apple, 172g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Total Fat | 0g (0% DV) |
| – Sat. Fat | 0g (0% DV) |
| – Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg (0% DV) |
| Sodium | 0mg (0% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24g (8% DV) |
| – Dietary Fiber | 4g (14% DV) |
| – Sugars | 18g (includes 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV) |
| Protein | 0g |
| Vitamin D | 0% DV |
| Calcium | 0% DV |
| Iron | 0% DV |
| Potassium | 4% DV |
What do Envy Apples taste like?
Originating from New Zealand, the Envy™ apple is a standout variety, boasting an unmatched flavor, juiciness, and a crisp texture that remarkably doesn’t brown even after several days.
However, this divine taste is, quite literally, burdened by its substantial weight and the thick, hard-to-digest skin. But despite its rock-like hardness, the joy derived from savoring each sweet bite might be worth the future necessity of dental care.
Envy™ apples are of small to medium size, averaging 7 to 8 centimeters in diameter, and exhibit a round to conical shape.
The apple’s skin is semi-tough, thick, firm, and smooth with a high shine. The skin displays a yellow-green base, almost entirely overlaid with a dark red to crimson blush dotted with prominent white lenticels.
Some russeting can be observed in the stem’s cavity, and the blush may appear striated, striped, or solid. Beneath the surface, the white-to-ivory flesh oxidizes slowly and has a coarse, dense, and juicy texture with a crisp and crunchy consistency.
The flesh surrounds a small fibrous core filled with tiny black-brown seeds. When sliced, Envy™ apples emit a fresh, subtly sweet aroma and primarily possess a sweet taste balanced with a slight tanginess mixed with faint fruity, vegetal, and floral hints.
What is the difference between Honeycrisp and Envy apples?
| Apple Variety | Origin | Flavor Profile | Texture | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeycrisp | Minnesota, USA | Sweet-tart | Crunchy | Eating fresh, baking |
| Fuji | Japan | Sweet, crisp | Firm | Eating fresh, cooking |
| Jazz | New Zealand | Tangy yet sweet | Crisp | Snacking, salads, baking, juice |
| Envy | New Zealand | Sweet and slightly tart | Crisp, bright white flesh that resists browning | Eating fresh, salads, baking |
Read more: What Are the Sweetest Apples? (15 Types Apple Sweetness Chart)
Why are envy apples so expensive?
Envy apples might be priced higher than other apple varieties for a few reasons:
- Limited Supply: Envy apples are a relatively new variety, developed in New Zealand in 2008. They are less widely grown than other apple varieties, so their supply may be limited.
- Growing Conditions: These apples require specific growing conditions, which can limit where they can be developed and add to the cost of production.
- Long Shelf Life: Envy apples are known for their long shelf life, which can add to their price.
- Taste and Texture: These apples have a unique, sweet, low-acid flavor and a crisp texture that many people find appealing. This can increase demand and, in turn, the price.
- Marketing and Branding: The producers of Envy apples have invested in marketing and branding efforts to position the fruit as a premium product. This can also contribute to a higher retail price.
Remember, prices vary based on location, time of year, and other market factors.
It is the season for envious apples
Envy™ Apples, originally from New Zealand, have a unique late ripening characteristic compared to other apple varieties. Their harvest season typically falls in April in their homeland, New Zealand. However, due to the varying geographic locations where they’re cultivated, you can enjoy these apples all year round.
In the northern hemisphere regions, like Washington State, the Envy™ Apples are usually ready for harvest in October. It’s essential to note that the exact ripening times may change depending on the regional weather conditions and specific year.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help Apple buyers:
Fresh Envy™ Apples availability per month and country:
April:
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Chile
October:
- USA
- UK
- France
- Italy
If you’re in Dubai, seek out the succulent Envy™ Apples brought in from Washington during autumn and winter. As spring and summer arrive, you can relish the crisp taste of New Zealand-grown apples. Through the Farm to Palm supermarket network, we ensure these delightful fruits are available to you throughout all the seasons of the year.
Where to buy Envy Apples?
If you’re hunting for the finest Envy apples, look no further than Farm to Palm. We specialize in delivering high-quality, delicious, and fresh Envy apples directly to your door. At Farm to Palm, we ensure that our customers receive the best Envy apples sourced from reputable orchards. Come to Farm to Palm and savor the sweet, crisp taste of our fresh Envy apples today.