Opal apple unveiled by FirstFruits

03/15/2010 11:32:43 AM
Tom Karst

For a more current story on Opal apples, dated Jan. 5, 2011, read FirstFruits shipping Opal apples.

The Opal apple variety has been exclusively introduced to U.S. markets by Yakima-based FirstFruits Marketing, LLC and Broetje Orchards.

The new variety, characterized by bright yellow color with hints of orange blush, has what is described as a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor with a brix of 15 to 18, according to a news release from the company. The variety is a cross between the golden delicious and the Topaz, has a medium round shape, stem end gusseting and resistance to oxidation after slicing, according to the release.

Keith Mathews, chief executive officer of FirstFruits Marketing, said March 11 the company expects to market about 40,000 cartons of the Opal variety this year. The variety was selling about $1 per pound f.o.b. for the 27-pound euro carton, he said.

The marketing campaign accompanying the introduction of the Opal calls the variety “a new American jewel,” according to the news release.

The Opal, discovered in Europe in 1999, is grown exclusively in the U.S. by Ralph Broetje of Broetje Orchards, Prescott, Wash., The variety is available only through FirstFruits Marketing and is available from March through May, or as long as supplies last, according to the release.

Comments (27) Leave a comment 

I work for Safeway Stores advertising and have been asked to come up with ideas for consumer information in order to sell Opal apples.
I would like to talk to someone who can give me more information about several apple varieties.
Please email me and I will give you my phone number.
Many thanks,
Marlene Sorosky Gray

I was introduced to the Opal Apple last year by the produce manager at my local Safeway. I am now addicted to this apple and I have found that the only apple that compares in my opinion is the Honeycrisp.

I just discovered this apple two days ago at Vons and am in love. The only other apple I enjoy eating is the Pippin. But this Opal is amazing. Please keep them coming!

Hi Sam, Whole Foods Lincoln Park is carrying them now.

Got a box full from Costco last summer and could not get enough of them. Can't wait til they are on the market again.

I saw the apple at my Super Target and was curious just by the name alone.
I decided to buy two and LOVED them! I am very particular about my apples, and I just
cant get over how crisp they are. Great buy!

I just tried my first Opal apple yesterday....all I can say is, "move over honeycrip there is a new girl in town! These apples are the best of any variety I have had! Thank you for making an apple lover very happy!

We just sampled these today at "Your Local Market" in Bellevue. We met the grower at the market ( a really great fellow who knows apples) .
The Apples are "Outstanding" My first bite has won me over. We are currently making a pie for dinner if I do not eat them before they get into the pie.

wow what great apple. a good size i dont mind paying the price my wife an kids just love this type of apple. keep up the good work

The wife and I had our first Opal apple. We purchased them at the Fishers, Indiana Target store. They're good and different.

Good apple. I prefer a but sweeter. Properly reopened Ambrosia or Fuji is a better apple. Crispness of the Opal is good.

Just had my first Opal Apple. Fantastic! Got them at Meijers Ontario, OH store. Very sweet make a great eating apple, juicy and just as crisp as the HoneyCrisp.
I would definitely buy again.

While I was shopping the other day, I saw these beautiful dark yellow apples and had never heard of or seen them before. I picked up a couple and they are now the best apple I have ever had. I used to like only Honeycrisp and Braeburn.

Got seom yesterday at Vons (Safeway). I think they must have found a way to cross-polinate apples and sugar cane. They are truly delivious!

These apples are the best I've ever eaten. Larger then average apples and beautiful in color and sweeter than most. Exclusive to Vons only and for a short period of time real bummer. Can't wait til next season

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm,good.............. :-)

Hi I have been eating these crazy yellow delicious apples from the first year they made their debut and I have been hooked ever since, I recently found the opal apples in Walmart angels sang when I saw them;however I noticed a slight change in the taste, not enough for me not to love them but enough for me to notice, where are these being harvest now?I also love the season is longer than previous years please write me back I love these apples

perhaps the most delicious apple I have ever had!

YUM! purchased my first Opals in La Pine, OR. Ray's Food Market. Produce manager
was VERY willing to slice one for me to try. Keep them coming!

Love the Opal apple, but its interesting to note that safeway sells them for $3 per pound,
or $2 on sale.

That's a pretty big F-U to the consumer isn't it safeway?

I was on vacation on the island of Kauai last week and found this delicious apple called "Lady Alice" at Safeway store and am trying to find it here in my neck of the woods which is in the Seattle area but have not been able to locate a store that may have it. Still looking though.