Braeburn apples are a popular variety of apples that are beloved for their crisp texture and versatility in cooking and baking. What Does a Braeburn Apple Taste Like?
When you think of apples, a delicious red apple comes to mind. But did you know that there are over a hundred apple varieties worldwide? One of these varieties is the Braeburn apple.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Braeburn apple, and explore its flavor profile, texture, and culinary uses.
Braeburn apples are known for their distinctive red and green coloration. They offer a balanced blend of sweetness and acidity.
They are a “chance seedling” originating in New Zealand.
A chance seedling results from the accidental breeding of two apple varieties.
A perfectly ripe Braeburn apple has a bright red color.
Other apples would have solid colors, but this variety has yellow and green streaks. These streaks usually appear near the stem or core.
Braeburn apple trees will bear fruits with bolder red peels when left to ripen.
Warm temperatures can also affect the overall appearance of these apples.
A farmer named Moran chanced upon the seedling in the 1950s. Moran suspected that the variety sprouted from a fallen apple.
So, nobody knows the exact parent varieties of Braeburn apples.
But it’s likely a cross between a Lady Hamilton apple and a Granny Smith Apple.
These were the apple varieties growing in the orchard where the seedling was found.
Moran propagated the new seedling, and cultivation began.
Braeburn apples were first sold commercially at Braeburn Orchard in New Zealand.
They were an instant hit, and the Braeburn orchards expanded.
Since they are late-season apples, Braeburn apples are usually harvested around October.
Meanwhile, Braeburn apples grown in Europe are available in late November.
Most Braeburn apples are grown in New Zealand, the cultivar’s place of origin.
Braeburn apples are available in North America, Australia, France, and Italy.
These apples also have offspring varieties. A few of these are Jazz apples, Envy apples, and Kanza apples.
Braeburn apples are a popular apple variety because of their unique sweet-tart flavor. Their texture is crisp and juicy.
Since they’re a spontaneous invention of nature, it’s natural to be curious about the taste. So, what do Braeburn apples taste like?
When eaten fresh, Braeburn apples have a honey-like sweetness comparable to Honeycrisp apples.
You can even eat Braeburn apples straight from the tree.
This variety has many culinary uses. It’s a great snacking apple or an ingredient for apple pie and apple cider.
The saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” couldn’t be more true for Braeburn apples.
Overall, Braeburn apples are a great addition to a highly nutritious diet.
Here are some of the key nutrients you can find in Braeburn apples:
Fiber: Braeburn apples are a good source of dietary fiber, with a medium-sized apple containing about 4 grams of fiber. Fiber is important for maintaining healthy digestion.
Vitamin C: Braeburn apples are also rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps to support immune function and protect cells from damage. A medium-sized Braeburn apple contains about 14% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
Potassium: Braeburn apples are a good source of potassium, a mineral that is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and nerve function. A medium-sized Braeburn apple contains about 6% of the daily recommended intake of potassium.
Polyphenols: Braeburn apples are also high in polyphenols, which are plant compounds that have been linked to various health benefits. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Braeburn apples have many uses in the kitchen. You can have them raw, chopped, mashed, or pureed.
They work for almost any apple recipe, especially fall desserts.
Here are ten ideas on how to use Braeburn apples in recipes:
Braeburn apples are sharp and crisp, so they’re best eaten fresh. You can also pair them with your preferred nut butter.
The nut butter’s earthy and nutty taste mellows out the tartness of these apples.
The Braeburn apple is one the best varieties for making juices and apple cider. Due to its juicy content, you can squeeze out a lot of liquid from one fruit.
We recommend mixing apple juice with other fruits like pineapple, watermelon, or lemons.
The best way to serve Braeburn apples is to use them for your apple pie recipe. This iconic dessert is almost synonymous with the United States.
Braeburn apples are also “fall” apples. So they pair well with spices used in apple pie recipes like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Braeburn apples are also great in tart recipes. These apples brown nicely, especially when sprinkled with sugar and layered in custard.
You can also mash or puree the apples for a smoother and richer filling.
You can also make moist and delicious muffins out of Braeburn apples. When baked, the flesh of these apples becomes tender and juicy.
A subtle crunch offers a nice contrast to the soft, fluffy batter. These apples are also not overly sweet, so that they won’t overpower your muffin batter.
Applesauce is a perfect way of using overripe Braeburn apples. Simply make a puree of your extra apples and add sugar or maple syrup.
You can also enhance the flavor with browned butter for a subtle kick. You can opt to peel the apples or leave them unsweetened.
Applesauce is a versatile condiment. You can stir it into yogurt, drizzle it over roasted meats, or use it as a dessert topping.
Another way to deal with extra Braeburn apples is to dry them up.
The process is easy. Coat your apple slices in sugar and bake them under high heat.
These crispy apple slices make for delicious, healthy snacks.
Braeburn apples taste excellent in fruit salads. They offer a contrasting texture to softer fruits like peaches and mangoes.
Their tart flavor complements other fruits like grapes and cherries.
You can also use Braeburn apples for frozen desserts. There are two ways to go about this.
You can juice the apples and pour the juice into popsicle molds. Or you can coat apple slices in chocolate and leave them in the freezer.
Frozen apples are a refreshing treat, especially during summer.
Braeburn apples are perfect for caramel apples, a favorite Halloween and fall treat.
To make these treats, wash and dry your Braeburn apples. Insert a stick into each apple and dip it in melted caramel.
You can stick to the classic recipe or coat it with chocolate and chopped walnuts. Caramel apples are a delicious (and healthier) alternative to candy bars.
Braeburn apples are tricky to store.
When harvesting or buying these apples, make sure to pick fresh, ripe, and unbruised apples.
Wrap them individually with paper so they don’t touch each other. If one apple rots, it will affect the rest.
If you’re storing the apples in a bag, ensure there are holes for moisture to escape.
We recommend keeping them in a dry and cool place.
They stay longer in cellars or rooms between 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit at 95% humidity.
You can also use the crisper drawer of your fridge. These will keep the Braeburn apples fresh for up to two months.
Under the right conditions, apples will stay fresh for three to ten months.
There are very few facts about the underrated Braeburn apple.
Here are the most interesting things you need to know about this apple variety:
Braeburn apples were first discovered on a farming property in New Zealand. They were not cultivated but instead accidentally bred by nature.
Braeburn apples got their name from the Braeburn Orchard in New Zealand. This is where the fruit was first sold commercially.
Braeburn apples taste similar to Granny Smith and Fuji apples in terms of flavors.
Braeburn apples are an apple variety first bred in New Zealand. This accidental apple variety became a commercial hit due to its unique qualities. These apples have bright red peels with yellow and green streaks near the core.
Braeburn apples taste sweet and tart. The flesh is firm, juicy, and crunchy.
Braeburn apples are perfect for making apple cider and apple pies. They also make delicious holiday treats and frozen desserts. Braeburn apples grown in New Zealand and Australia are available during summer. Meanwhile, those produced in the US and the UK will be available in late October.
