The name “Piñata” is really a combination of the apple’s two given names: Pinova and Sonata. In 2001 the Piñata apple was named Apple of the Year by Germany, the country where the apple originated.

The medium-sized Piñata apples have an orange glow marked with red stripes. They are slightly coned-shaped with broad shoulders. The skin is thin and the white flesh is crisp and juicy. The Piñata apple is said to have a “classic” apple taste. Its flavor has a slightly tropical or fruity twist, and its high sugar and high acid lends the Piñata apple a tangy-tart taste.

Serving Ideas

A Piñata apple’s thin skin, crisp texture and unique flavor work well sliced thinly in salads and holds up well to poaching and baking. Use Piñata apples to stuff pork tenderloin or roast and serve alongside. Piñata apples make good apple pie apples because of their crisp texture and flavor.

Geography/History

Piñata apples were created by researchers in Dresden-Pillnitz, Germany in the 1970s as a cross between three heirloom apples: Golden Delicious, Cox’s Orange Pippin, and Duchess of Oldenburg. The German-bred apple was released in 1986 and was sold commercially in Europe until 2004 when the rights to grow the hybrid heirloom apple were purchased by the Mathison family in their eastern Washington state orchards. Piñata apples are grown exclusively in eastern Washington state.

Seasons/Availability

Piñata apples are available mid-winter through early summer.