Kiku apples are considered by some to be the sweetest apple in the world.

On a scale of tart to sweet in terms of taste, kiku apples are the sweetest. They are crisp and juicy with a firm flesh, like its Fuji apple parent. These Italian-raised apples are ruby red with light colored stripes. Kiku apples are large, and can grow to be up to five inches in diameter.

Serving Ideas

Eat kiku apples fresh, out-of-hand or add slices to salads or a grilled cheese sandwich. The crisp apples can be used for pies and tarts; their shape holds up well when cooked. Kiku apples make a naturally sweet applesauce. These late season apples keep well in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

Geography/History

Kiku apples were discovered in 1990 by Louis Braun, an Italian apple grower, who found them growing on a Fuji apple tree in a Japanese orchard. They are considered a ‘sport’ (or natural mutation) of the Fuji; different mostly in appearance and size. Braun bought the rights to the apple and began growing it in Italy. The sweet kiku was introduced to the US Market in 2010. Now, select growers around the world have permission to grow these sweet apples. Though primarily grown in Italy, they can be found growing in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Washington State in the US and perhaps New Zealand and Chile in the near future.

Seasons/Availability

Kiku apples have limited availability during the winter and early spring months.