The Opal apple is a trademarked, non-GMO verified variety sought after for its unique sensory qualities and practical appeal. This distinctive fruit is a natural crossbreed, standing out with its signature bright, golden-yellow color. Its reputation is built on a memorable combination of flavor and texture, making it a favorite for both fresh eating and culinary uses. Because of its specific cultivation and limited harvest, the Opal apple is a seasonal product.
Defining the Opal Apple
The Opal apple is scientifically known as the ‘UEB 32642’ cultivar, resulting from a natural cross between the ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Topaz’ varieties. It features a smooth, thick, golden-yellow skin that often has a subtle blush and a characteristic russeted “halo” near the stem end. The flesh is notably white, offering a resounding crunch and a firm texture.
The flavor profile is a balanced blend of sweetness and a slight tang, inheriting desirable traits from both parent apples. Many consumers detect subtle, aromatic floral notes, sometimes described as tropical, like pear or coconut. This complexity provides a refreshing and well-rounded taste.
A major distinguishing feature of the Opal apple is its resistance to browning after being sliced. This natural characteristic is due to the variety being inherently low in the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which slows oxidation. Since this trait was achieved through traditional cross-breeding, the Opal was the first apple to receive the Non-GMO Project verification. This quality makes the apple useful for salads, lunchboxes, and other preparations.
The Availability Window
The Opal apple’s presence in the market is strictly seasonal, governed by the annual harvest cycle and specialized storage techniques. The fruit is typically picked in the late fall, generally occurring in late October or early November. This timing means the apples require careful handling before they are ready for distribution to consumers.
The commercial availability window generally begins around late November or early December, continuing through the winter and into the spring. Depending on crop yield and consumer demand, the season may extend as late as April or even June. This relatively long market window is sustained by controlled atmosphere (CA) storage, a method that carefully regulates temperature, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels.
CA storage maintains the apple’s high quality and crispness long after the harvest is complete, allowing for a steady supply over several months. However, because the Opal is a proprietary variety grown on limited acreage, the overall volume is finite. Once the season’s supply is depleted, the apples are no longer available until the next harvest cycle.
Locating and Purchasing
The Opal apple is distributed across the United States and Canada, primarily through major national grocery chains and select regional supermarkets. Since it is a high-demand, seasonal product, availability can fluctuate significantly between different stores and regions. Consumers can often find the apples at large-volume retailers that feature premium apple varieties.
The most reliable method for locating the nearest supply is to utilize the official brand’s website, which offers a “Find a Store Near You” locator tool. Calling the produce manager at a local grocery store is also effective to confirm current stock and delivery schedules. Since the supply is limited, checking ahead prevents an unnecessary trip.
When shopping, look for the distinctive high-graphic packaging, as the Opal apple is a protected, trademarked product. The apples are often sold in branded pouch bags displaying the bright yellow fruit and the Opal® logo. Choosing the correctly labeled product ensures the purchase of the specific cultivar.