The Black Diamond apple and the Arkansas Black apple both have dark purple-black skin that looks otherworldly. However, one of these apples is much more challenging to find.
Apples are a favorite fruit for many people. They are trendy and are featured in fall desserts like pies, crisps, galettes, and tart cider. They appear in Disney stories and are famously associated with a well-known technology brand.
There are over 7,500 types of apples grown worldwide, but only around a dozen are typically sold in grocery stores. Aside from the tangy Granny Smith, sweet Fuji, and popular Gala varieties, most people have likely yet to try the majority of the apple types available.
If you haven’t been to Tibet, it’s unlikely you’ve had the opportunity to taste a rare Black Diamond apple!
Are Black Diamond Apples Real?
Black diamond apples are a rare variety of apples that belong to the Huaniu apple family, also known as the Chinese Red Delicious apple. They originated in China and have a dark purple color despite being called black. The rarity and expense of these apples are due to the difficulty involved in their production.
The Black Diamond apple gets its name from its dark skin color, which is different from the typical red and green apples we are familiar with.
While they may seem like something out of a fairy tale, rest assured that black apples are natural and safe to eat. Although they may not resemble Gala or Honeycrisp apples, black apples offer a crunchy texture even sweeter than the standard varieties.
What Is a Black Diamond Apple?
Black Diamond apples are easily identified by their dark skin, which is a deep purple. The intense color results from significant temperature fluctuations in their growing climate.
These apples are exposed to a lot of ultraviolet light during the day and experience extreme temperature drops at night. The outcome is a visually appealing fruit with dark skin and bright white flesh.
If allowed to taste this fruit, you will discover that Black Diamond apples are surprisingly sweet. Despite their appearance, these apples contain higher levels of natural sugars like glucose, resulting in a crisp and nectar-like bite.
Appearance of Black Diamond Apple
Black diamond apples are purple, shiny, and have a smooth texture. They resemble candle wax and are as stunning as diamonds. They are a small to medium-sized variety, typically measuring 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter. They have a round to conical shape with flattened shoulders.
Taste of Black Diamond Apple
Black diamond apples taste sweeter than honey, and their crispness is unmatched.
Nutritional Value of Black Diamond Apple
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 9mg |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrate | 11.6g |
| Protein | 0.6g |
| Iron | 0.1g |
| Vitamin B | 0.9g |
Where to Buy Black Diamond Apples
Black Diamond apples originate from Nyingchi, a secluded city nestled within the mountainous terrain of Tibet. Unless you venture to Asia and ascend through various mountain orchards, tasting this unique apple variety may not be possible.
Why are they black?
Nyingchi, a quaint city in the Tibetan mountains, is renowned for cultivating black apples. This unique variant owes its unusual dark hue to the region’s climate – abundant ultraviolet light by day and steep temperature dips at night.
Although the skin takes on an intense color due to these conditions, the apple’s interior remains as bright and white as any conventional apple.
Intriguingly, it’s believed that the distinct coloration of these apples is also related to Nyingchi’s geographical location and climatic factors.
Is Black Diamond apple healthy?
Black diamond apples, like other apple varieties, are packed with nutrients such as fiber, Vitamins B and C, epicatechin, antioxidants, flavonoids, and Vitamin A. Here are some of the health benefits provided by these components:
Anti-Aging Effects: The fruit combats the effects of free radicals, which are linked to premature aging, wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines.
Digestive Health: Black diamond apples contain pectin, a fiber that promotes good bacteria in the gut and helps maintain regular bowel movements.
Strong Bones: The fruit’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds support bone health, preventing problems like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and bone cancer.
Healthy Skin: The powerful antioxidants in black diamond apples, including Vitamin C, improve blood circulation and fight acne-causing bacteria. The fruit’s bark also has antiseptic properties and can treat skin infections.
Weight Loss Aid: High-water content in black diamond apples increases satiety and reduces appetite, helping to prevent overeating and support weight loss.
Vision Enhancement: Black apples are an excellent source of Vitamin A, essential for eye health and preventing age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Improved Metabolism: Black diamond apples contain riboflavin, iron, and Vitamin B12, which promote red blood cell formation, iron absorption, and overall tissue health.
Reduced Risk of Heart Disease: Soluble fiber and polyphenol antioxidants in black diamond apples contribute to heart health by preventing artery build-up and promoting good blood flow to the heart.
Why are black apples so expensive?
Black diamond apples can be very expensive, ranging from $7 to $20 per apple. This is significantly higher than the usual price per pound or bag.
Similar to pistachios, the high cost of black diamond apples is due to the challenges involved in growing them. These apples require specific conditions and can only be grown in certain regions.
They obtain their unique color and taste from exposure to sunlight and cold temperatures. Additionally, it takes five to eight years for the apple trees to produce fruit, discouraging commercial farmers from cultivating them.
Consequently, if you want to try a black diamond apple, you must travel and be prepared to pay a premium for this extraordinary fruit.
Arkansas Black: A darker breed
In addition to Tibet, another variety similar to the black diamond apple can be found in Arkansas, US. It is called the ‘Arkansas Black Apple.’
It was first produced in 1870 in the orchard of a farmer named Mr. Brathwaite, who lived near Bentonville. These apples should not be eaten directly from the tree as they are very hard and lack flavor.
They are usually preserved in the refrigerator for a few months before consumption or use. After storage, the fruit becomes dark, sweet, and soft enough to be enjoyed fresh or used in recipes.
Final Thoughts
Through this article, you’ve gained insight into a type of apple that’s not only expensive but also as sweet as honey. At Farm to Palm Supermarket, we continuously import delicious apples, ensuring clear origins and provenance, making it an ideal place to choose and savor the freshest and tastiest apples.