Opalescent apple

USDA identification images for Opalescent

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.

Visitor reviews

• 30 Nov 2017  IN, United States

  Just got to experience the Opal apple! It is such a delicious snack apple. Sweet, but not too sweet and just the right amount of tartness with a hint of floral and fruity. I've been getting into apple variety for the past few years and this apple has made my top 3.
• 03 Oct 2017  NEW YORK, United States

  Thin-skinned, juicy and delightfully flavorful, almost floral. A nice balance of sweet and tart. Just crisp enough.
• 08 Apr 2017  NSW, Australia

  It is indeed a beautiful large apple. It has a good taste but, because of the rain at ripening time, it was not particularly sweet this year.
• 21 May 2015  WI/COLUMBIA, United States

  I bought this from JE Miller Nurseries years ago. About 5 years ago it began producing...lumpy green apples! Nothing like they're supposed to look. However, each year they taste better and better. The skin is yellowish and has spots of mildew on them. It is extremely fruitful and interestingly shaped.
• 06 Nov 2014  Michigan, United States

  This apple is so good, and really beautiful too.
• 11 Sep 2013  VICTORIA, Australia
• 16 Mar 2012  MAINE, United States

  Most years FEDCO of Maine sells Opalescent apple trees
• 08 Nov 2010  OREGON, United States

  RObin, this man, Ram Fishman sells opalescent apples. A real expert on apples, and fruit in general. http://www.greenmantlenursery.com/2008revision/fruit2008/antique-fruit2008.htm
• 06 Jul 2010  TX, United States

  I grew up in Cayuga Co., NY and moved to Texas years ago-and have never been able to find opalescents anywhere. Picked them at an orchard as a kid-and loved them. Anyone willing to ship me some this fall? My whole family misses them!
• 03 Nov 2009  WILMINGTON NC, United States

  When I was working in the Waldorph Cafeteria in Waterbury CT back in 1962 we served these Baked. It was a yearly big event to have these arrive. They are THE BEST apple for baking.
• 20 Sep 2009  MILLBURY,MA, United States

  Keown Orchard in Sutton, MA has opalescent apples for pick your own and also to be shipped anywhere in the US. Just wanted to let you know
• 26 Oct 2008  SEATTLE WA, United States

  Growing up in Connecticut, my Grandfather would "sneak" off and buy a huge basket of these beauties and would never divulge where he bought them. Now that he has passed on nobody in my family can find any place that sells them. If anyone knows where I can order some I'd be Extremely Grateful for the information, plus it would make my 92 year old Grandmother Very Happy and be flooded with cherished memories. Thank You all
• 04 Oct 2008  ARLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, United States

  I had one of these handsome apples for the first time last month. They are big and hearty in the hand but the flavor is complex with many delicate touches--hints of lilac and other floral notes. I wish I'd gotten more, but suppose will have to wait until next year. Theres a photo of Opalescent at http://adamapples.blogspot.com/2008/09/opalescent.html
• 01 Oct 2008  NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI, United States

  What a great apple! i just bought my first sack at my neighbor's farmstand If you're looking for it, right now they have it at Goodwin's Farm on Rt104 at Rt 5 in North Smithfield, RI
• 30 Sep 2008  NEW JERSEY, United States

  I used to be able to pick these apples right from the trees in an orchard near where I grew up in Bergen County. Up until a couple of years ago, I was able to find them at some of the local farmstands. I have not found them since and would LOVE it if someone could tell me where I might find them. They are absolutely the BEST apples I have ever, ever tasted and I am sad to think that I might not ever have another. My friend and I always search for them but between the two of us, we haven't found any the last two seasons. If anyone can help it would be very much appreciated.
• 16 Aug 2008  NORTHWEST INDIANA, , United States

  I came across the Opalescent Apple at the farmer's markets of Rhode Island when I lived there in the late 1980s-early 1990s. The first one I ate was amazing. After reading the comments, I remember that they were pretty big apples. But the taste was something to remember. I think I remember the growers telling me that they do not travel well. I thought it was strictly local fruit and I am very happy to hear that it exists.
• 04 Nov 2007  United Kingdom

  Hi in 2002 our “Heritage Fruits Group” voted Opalescent the best looking apple in our heritage apple collection at “Petty’s Orchard” in Victoria, Australia. We found the taste to be superb due to its ripeness, but it held poorly off the tree for the same reason since then we have picked it earlier and it is on our top 6 apples we recommend at our yearly grafting days.
• 03 Aug 2007  United Kingdom

  I have eaten and greatly enjoyed this apple – I can’t get it anymore, since I have moved away from New England to Ontario, Canada. Its flavour reminds me of Mutsu/Crispin. It is the largest apple I have ever seen…the first year I got them, the average circumference was 12-14"!! I have used it fresh (for eating) and have dehydrated it. I found it to brown fairly slowly, so it produced attractive dried apple rings, without addition of citric/ascorbic acid. I believe I made frozen pie filling with it as well.

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• United Kingdom1
• Australia2

Where to buy fresh fruit

The following orchards grow Opalescent:

United States

• Massachusetts

  • Brook Farm Orchard, Ashfield

• Michigan

  • Christmas Cove Farm, Northport        *** Feature Orchard ***

• New Hampshire

  • Old Ciderpress Farm, Westmoreland

• New Jersey

  • Pochuck Valley Farms Market and deli, Glenwood

• Wisconsin

  • Door Creek Orchard, Cottage Grove

Australia

• Victoria

  • Petty's Orchard, Templestowe

References

• Apples of England (1948)
  Author: Taylor