Beyond familiar reds and greens, apples include varieties with exceptionally pale flesh or light skin, often called “white apples.” While no apple is truly pure white, certain cultivars stand out visually from their more vibrantly colored counterparts.
Understanding White Apples
The term “white apples” describes fruit with very pale, often translucent flesh, and sometimes very light green or yellow skin. This appearance results from lower levels of anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for red, purple, and blue hues. Their coloration is dominated by lighter pigments or their absence, creating a unique aesthetic that contrasts with deeper red and green varieties.
Key Varieties and Their Characteristics
Several apple varieties are recognized for their pale characteristics.
Transparent
The ‘Transparent’ apple, also known as ‘Yellow Transparent’ or ‘White Transparent’, is an early-season variety with pale green skin that ripens to a translucent pale yellow. Its white flesh is notably tart, making it suited for cooking, though some enjoy its sharp taste fresh from the tree.
White Winter Pearmain
‘White Winter Pearmain’ is a medium to large apple with pale yellow skin that can develop a light blush. Its flesh is white or yellowish, tender, fine-grained, and crisp, offering a juicy, sweet, and sprightly flavor with honeyed undertones. This variety is appreciated for its eating quality and pleasant aroma.
SnowSweet
The ‘SnowSweet’ apple features firm, snow-white flesh that resists browning after being cut. Its skin typically displays a bronze-red blush over a green-yellow background. ‘SnowSweet’ apples are known for a sweet taste with a slight tart balance and rich overtones, sometimes described as almost buttery or with notes of spice and coconut.
Golden Delicious
While not purely “white,” ‘Golden Delicious’ apples have a creamy-white to buff-colored interior. Their skin is typically pale green to golden yellow, sometimes developing a pink blush. ‘Golden Delicious’ apples are known for their consistently sweet and crisp texture with a silky feel, offering a balanced, mild flavor.
Culinary Applications
Pale-fleshed apples are versatile in the kitchen.
Transparent
‘Transparent’ apples are valued for cooking due to their tartness and tendency to break down easily, making them a choice for applesauce and pies. Their high acidity creates a creamy, white applesauce.
White Winter Pearmain
‘White Winter Pearmain’ apples are suitable for fresh eating, and also perform well in pies, sauces, juice, and cider.
SnowSweet
The firm, slow-to-oxidize flesh of ‘SnowSweet’ makes it a good option for fresh applications like salads and snack trays. Its resistance to browning ensures it remains appealing even after slicing. While it can be baked, its qualities are often best appreciated when eaten raw.
Golden Delicious
‘Golden Delicious’ apples are considered all-purpose, excelling in fresh eating, baking, and sauces due to their sweet flavor and crisp texture. Their thin skin also makes them a good choice for pies.
Finding White Apples
Locating specific “white apple” varieties may require a targeted search, as they are not as widely available as mainstream red or green apples.
Farmers’ markets are excellent places to find varieties like ‘Transparent’ and ‘White Winter Pearmain’ during their seasonal availability. These markets connect consumers directly with local growers, who often cultivate a wider array of less common apples. Specialty grocery stores and co-ops may also carry unique apple varieties. Direct purchases from orchards, especially those specializing in diverse apple cultivation, offer another reliable source. Online suppliers and nurseries provide opportunities to acquire these varieties, particularly for those interested in planting their own trees. Availability typically aligns with the apple harvest season, with early varieties like ‘Transparent’ appearing in summer and others later in the fall.