Move over Pink Lady - Ruby Mathilda may be the new star of the fruit box!
Over the past few years, the star of the South African lunch box has been the Pink Lady apple.
However, the Pink Lady’s reign may be coming to an end.
Our South African Pink Lady apples (also known as the Cripps Pink) are renowned for their pretty, soft rosy colour and greenish undertones, sweet and crisp flavour.
I can remember when Pink Lady apples appeared on our shelves in South Africa a few years ago, it was such a novelty as opposed to the ordinary red, green and yellow varieties.
The Pink Lady apple is a cross between a Golden Delicious apple and a Lady Williams apple.
Apple growers say that the latest variety trend is all about Ruby Mathilda.
“Now the buzz is all about Ruby Mathilda,” said Calla du Toit, chairman of Pink Lady South Africa.
This new variety is an enhanced mutation of Cripps Pink, featuring a blushed pink hue instead of red.
“Its flavour profile delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, appealing to the taste preferences of European and UK consumers,” noted Du Toit.
“I anticipate that Ruby Mathilda or Lady in Red will replace many Pink Lady orchards.”
And there’s a new yellow apple that may be hitting our shelves soon!
The Kimito apple, a new yellow apple variety developed by Japan’s Hirosaki University, will soon be grown in South Africa as they are partnering to trial Southern Hemisphere-production of their special Japanese-bred apple.
IOL Lifestyle