The pazazz apple is a new variety of apple created to be superior in terms of taste, coloring, climate tolerance and cold storage longevity. It is part of a group of apples that are being commercialized in a new fashion by Apple Varietal Development LLC. This new process involves a club model where growers in the club are the only ones permitted to grow and sell the variety. This transfers control of supply from the tree nurseries to the growers and keeps the market from becoming oversaturated with a specific variety. It also ensures the apples being marketed under a specific name such as the pazazz meet a certain standard in terms of quality.

A larger variety apple, the outer skin of the pazazz apple has a unique color pattern. The background color is a greenish yellow with a red brush stroke pattern overlay. Having a flavor similar to that of the Honeycrisp, the pazazz apple has a crisp texture and offers an exceptionally sweet and subtly tart flavor.

Serving Ideas

Poach, roast or bake the pazazz apple to enhance its naturally sweet flavor. Slice and utilize with skin on to showcase its unique coloring. Its large size makes it ideal for making stuffed apple preparations. Its flavor pairs well with pork, sweet potatoes, pears, honey, sharp cheeses, winter squashes, pecans and warm spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom.

Geography/History

The pazazz apple is a new variety that was formed from the parentage of the Honeycrisp and an unknown variety. It was created by Doug Shefelbine at his experimental fruit farm near Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Shefelbine creates crosses which he allows to grow and then relies on bees to cross pollinate his trees, a process which results in a new variety of apple of which only one of the parents are known, such as the case of the pazazz. Of thousands of apple varieties created in this method only a handful make the cut. The pazazz was selected for its exceptionally sweet flavor and its ability to be successfully grown in a variety of different climates.

Seasons/Availability

Pazazz apples are available during the fall and winter months.