What Do Ambrosia Apples Taste Like?

Apples, to some, are one of the quintessential fruits you can get.

Aside from its nourishing values, apples are loved for their sweet, juicy taste that makes for a perfect breakfast fruit or an anytime snack.

With several varieties of apples on the market, it’s hard not to wonder what each would taste like.

But for this article, we will focus on ambrosia apples.

What are Ambrosia Apples?

In contrast to its Greek root, ambrosia, referring to “food of the gods,” ambrosia apples are a Canadian breed of apple variety known for their sweet, juicy, and tender taste, making them a popular choice for snacking or to use as an ingredient in baked goods.

The ambrosia apple was created in the mid-1900s by a farmer named Wilfrid Mennell, who discovered this unique variety among a group of trees in his orchard in British Columbia.

Today, this apple breed is becoming increasingly popular in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world.

In Canada, Ambrosia apples are grown primarily in British Columbia, where it is the province’s number one export.

What Do Ambrosia Apples Taste Like?

When you bite into an ambrosia apple, you will notice its smooth texture.

Its flavor is sweet and subtle, with a bit of tartness that cuts through it.

Compared to its close relations, like the Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, ambrosia apples have a more delicate and tender texture that almost melts in your mouth.

Ambrosia apples are less acidic than most apple varieties and are known for having a distinct honey taste that gives it its name.

This apple’s honey-like sweetness creates an incredible aroma that is a mix of floral, vanilla, and honey scents, making it a unique breed.

The apple’s core is relatively small, making it easy to eat, and the fruit’s flesh is resistant to browning, making it ideal for salads.

Besides, the honey-perfumed nature of ambrosia apples also makes them an excellent ingredient in baking, from pies to crumbles, muffins, and cakes.

Where to Find Ambrosia Apples?

If you are in North America, ambrosia apples are relatively easy to come across.

They are available in most grocery stores, especially during the fall and winter months as they are in season then.

The apple produce will likely come from either Canada or the United States, and both countries produce them widely.

If you are in the UK or Europe, you can still find ambrosia apples, although they are not as common as they are in North America.

Nonetheless, some supermarkets, such as Sainsbury’s in the UK, stock them sporadically.

How to Store Ambrosia Apples?

One fantastic feature of ambrosia apples is that they are relatively easy to store.

You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week.

Beyond that point, they will slowly start to deteriorate and become mealy, so it’s best to store them in the refrigerator.

If you do that, you can keep ambrosia apples fresh for up to two months.

Just make sure to keep them separated from other produce to avoid rotting.

Health Benefits of Ambrosia Apples

Besides its taste, ambrosia apples are a healthy fruit to snack on.

These apples are low in fat, sodium, cholesterol, and calories.

They are also high in fiber, which helps the digestive system to function correctly.

Additionally, these apples are rich in health-boosting compounds like vitamins and minerals.

They contain various antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help prevent cellular aging.

Ambrosia apples are also an ideal fruit for people who want to watch their blood sugar levels.

They have a low glycemic index, meaning that the energy is slowly released into the bloodstream, preventing crashes in blood sugar levels.

How to Enjoy Ambrosia Apples

Apart from eating ambrosia apples raw, there are various ways you can enjoy this apple’s sweet taste.

The following are some ideas on how to serve ambrosia apples:

• Baked into pies: Ambrosia apples make the perfect apple pies. The sweetness is balanced by the tartness, and the tender texture holds shape when cooked.
• Juiced: You can make authentic apple juice using a blender. Simply add the apples and some water and let the blender work its magic.
• Sauce: You can turn ambrosia apples into a delicious applesauce. Just peel, core, and chop the apples, add some sugar and cinnamon, and cook over low heat.
• Salad: Ambrosia apples are an excellent addition to salads. Use the apples to add crunch and a sweet flavor to any salad.
• Crisps or crumbles: Ambrosia apples are perfect for crumbles and crisps. They hold their shape while cooking and retain their sweetness and flavor.
• Smoothies: Ambrosia apples are perfect for smoothies. Just blend them with some water, ice, and seasonings of your choice.

Conclusion

Ambrosia apples are a unique variety of apples with a unique flavor profile to match.

It has a delightful honey flavor and a subtle tartness that gives it a balanced and refreshing taste.

Despite its subtle taste, ambrosia apples have subtle complexities that make it a versatile fruit.

Their tender texture makes them perfect for baking and cooking, while their sweetness allows them to be eaten raw or used as an ingredient in various dishes.

And the best part is, it’s a healthy eating option.