Shizuka

Why you should be excited

Shizuka improves on its parent -- Golden Delicious -- and is a top choice for lovers of sweet apples.

The story of Shizuka

The Japanese love their sweet apples and while this has made Fuji the top apple in Japan, it has also led to plenty of breeding using the classic sweet apple: Golden Delicious.

That’s where Shizuka comes in.

Yet another of the many progeny of Golden Delicious, Shizuka is sister to Mutsu and Orin, delivering almost as large a size as Mutsu, although it’s sweeter and lacks Mutsu’s balancing acidity.

This one is ideally suited to fresh eating by those who don’t particularly care for sour apples.

Shizuka Facts

Its origins

Bred in Japan; mid-20th century introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Moderately firm and juicy, excellent mild flavour for a sweet apple with little tartness.

Appearance

Large, yellow to yellow/green-coloured smooth skin, sometimes with a red-orange blush.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in mid-October).

Quality for fresh eating

Very good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Keeping ability

Very good (up to 4 months when kept refrigerated).