Junami (also known as Milwa - thanks to Richard Wheeler for correcting this) is a modern apple developed in Switzerland, and derived from a cross between Idared and Maigold, which is then crossed with Elstar. The result is an apple which has the very long keeping qualities of Idared, and an appearance similar to Elstar.
The flavor is also reminscent of Elstar, slightly perfumed, and with a similar balance of sweet and sharp. The flesh is fairly light, and soft but with some crispness - a good choice for those who do not like very hard apples. This is definitely a variety that is best eaten slightly-chilled from the fridge.
Junami is grown commericially in Europe, particularly the Netherlands, where it is one of the most widely-grown varieties (along with Elstar).
Junami makes an interesting comparison with the new Rubens apple, which is effectively a half-sibling variety - Elstar is the common parent.
USDA identification images for Junami
The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.
Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Close relations of this variety (share 1 parent)
Visitor reviews
- 13 Oct 2024It's hard to find I try every year I first got from Kroger was 4yr ago
- 19 Mar 2024This apple is excellent with a sweet crisp taste and nice crunch . I certainly enjoyed this more than a pink lady apple. I haven't seen this on sale much in the UK mine was from Tesco finest range and grown in beautiful Dorset. I will definitely buy more.
- 10 Feb 2023First time I have had these from Tesco, it seems they keep well, which accounts for the low price I paid, but unlike some in that category, the flavour is decent although not anything I would begin to describe as exceptionally good as some seem to find! Slightly sweet very faint perfumed taste, crisp and wet texture, but not hard. A good buy at the right price, but not a premium fruit.
- 22 Feb 2022I have tasted this apple and I am afraid it is one labelled as grown by Richard Wheeler. I very rarely buy any but English grown apples, and was encouraged to see the Herefordshire label. But as you say, it is grown for keeping, and is, to me, similar to the hard flavour free stuff that comes to us from thousands of miles away, even in the peak of the English season.
- 16 Jan 2021 SURREY, United KingdomI got these apples from Tesco in a "best of British" pack. I was impressed, great flavour, almost perfumy with good balance of tartness and sweet.
- 17 Jan 2018 United KingdomGot these for the first time today at our local co-op. Never heard of them before. A pleasant surprise. Excellent crisp texture, juicy and fine flavour - not too sweet.
- 03 Aug 2017 UTAH, United StatesI need to make a correction to my previous review. It seems the Diva apple that I tried is NOT the Diwa (Junami) apple listed here. Because the look, flavor, and texture profile matched the description here remarkably well and because the name was similar (Diva vs. Diwa) then I mistook the two as being one and the same. However, the Junami originated in Switzerland, whereas the Diva originated in New Zealand. For more information on the Diva apple see here: http://www.divaapples.com/trade-technical-spec/
- 21 Jul 2017 UTAH, United StatesLabeled as Diva in local market. The description listed here is pretty much spot on. Exceptionally juicy, sweet, and crisp. Very refreshing. Actually reminds me quite a bit of Honeycrisp, but with a much better flavor profile. Great dessert apple, though perhaps a bit too sweet for me to enjoy regularly.
- 09 Feb 2016 MS, United StatesJunami is my new favorite apple. I love the bite and slight tang of this apple. It is juicy, and just delicious! When I saw them in the store, I initially purchased them because of their delicious fragrance, which is fruity and almost floral. They also last well. The last ones I had for over 2 weeks when I finished the batch, and the last couple were just beginning to show their age by getting a little soft.
- 17 Jan 2016 United StatesFirst I have seen a Junami. Very refreshing apple. White flesh, sweet and crisp. 1.99 per pound at my local Kroger. Some blemishes where the stem attaches so had to search for best fruit.
- 17 May 2015 United KingdomLovely apple ... Sweet and juicy. I am very very surprised that this variety is not more generally available in the UK. Only source I know of is FarmFoods and is #1 reason I visit the shop.
- 12 Nov 2014 'MN, United StatesWas offered a sample of this apple in a grocery store and promptly purchased several pounds. Unfortunately, I have been searching for them ever since. I hope someone will produce them again, as they were a uniquely delicious experience!
- 12 Mar 2012 TN, United StatesLove this apple. Kroger has them in Memphis. They are less expensive than the honeycrisp so that is a plus!
- 26 Feb 2012 WI, United StatesVery pleasant apple. Quite large, very juicy, somewhat crisp but leans a little more towards the softer side, and I detect a slight pear flavor which gives it some complexity. Anyone should be able to enjoy such a nicely balanced apple. It rivals Honeycrisp, Zestar, Jazz, and Jonagold as one of the best eaters I've had. I haven't cooked with it yet, but it seems it would work nicely in sauce or crisp. Probably would make a fantastic cider.
- 08 Feb 2012 DC, United StatesI bought these apples from wegmans in Fairfax VA. They are sooooo good I'm a honey crisp girl but I think I have a new favorite!!!! I really hope they keep them in stock.
- 31 Jan 2012 MI, United StatesI'm not an expert on apples but I know that Gala and Fuji are my absolute favorite. This apple was sweet but I just couldn't get past the gritty texture of the apple. I will not purchase this again.
- 29 Jan 2012 OR, United StatesAn amazing apple. I first bought a baggie of these apples at our local Shop n' Kart because they just looked beautiful. I personally like my apples chilled so I keep them in the fridge. When I bit into this apple it went immediately to the number 1 spot for favorite apples. It is crisp, juicy, and a perfect balance between sweet and tart.
- 15 Jan 2012 TX, United StatesI haven't tasted this variety just yet, but just letting people know that Kroger in the southeast Texas region has Junami apples for sale.
- 17 Feb 2011 TX, United StatesI love apples, but this has been the best apples I have ever eaten. I was able to purchase them at a near by Kroger's for about a month, but they are out and I have been going in every week to see if a shipment has come, and they say they have them on order. Seems like there are a lot of people out there that have discovered this wonderful fruit. Please get these on the truck for Kroger's.
- 02 Feb 2011 TX, United StatesI bought this type of apple at the grocery store recently just on a whim. I'd never heard of Jumani apples before, but they were gorgeous apples and they felt to be pretty crisp which I prefer. I was so impressed I had to look "Jumani apple" up to see what it was! It's just crisp enough with such a juicy sweet, tart flavor. I hope I can find them at the supermarket again.
- 27 Jan 2011 TX, United StatesI work for one of the Kroger Food store in Nacogdoches, I have to admit that given the choice in selling a Honeycrisp apple and a Junami apple honeycrisp seem to be going faster but when I let people take a sample of the Junami they seem to fly off the racking.
- 22 Jan 2011 CALIFORNIA, United StatesJust had my first Jumani/Milwa today. Can't agree more with the grower above; crisp but not ultra crisp as in Jazz; sweet with slight tart clean finish. Lovely to look at and a succulent shape to boot. I'm a Jazz lover and this is perfect forchangong it up a bit. Ad with Jazz, keeps well. If you're going on a hike, these fare well in your backpack as with Jazz. Another keeper.
- 23 Jul 2010 HEREFORDSHIRE, United KingdomI am a commercial grower and have recently planted a reasonably substantial acreage of Junami. It's flavour is very good without being exceptional but it is it's texture and juciness that sets it apart and makes it a really good apple to eat.It picks after most of our other varieties and stores exceptionally well-the flavour actually improving in store.It is a crisp apple but not a hard apple like,say,a Jazz. It is also known as Milwa(not Diwa as posted.)
Origins
- Species: Malus domestica - Apple
- Parentage: (Idared x Maigold) x Elstar
- Originates from: Switzerland
Identification
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Fruit colour: Red / Green
Using
- Food uses: Eating fresh
- Food uses: Juice
Growing
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Vigour: Weak growing
- Self-fertility: Self-fertile
Climate
- Climate suitability: Temperate climates
- Climate suitability: Warm climates
Where to buy fresh fruit
No orchards have registered as growing this variety. If you grow this and want to register please go to our Orchard Registration form.