Blue apples may sound like something from a fairy tale, but there are some real apple varieties with bluish or purplish hues that kids will find fascinating. This list covers cool facts about these unique apples, perfect for curious kids who want to learn about different kinds of fruit beyond the usual red and green apples.
Arkansas Black Apple
The Arkansas Black apple is famous for its very dark, almost blackish-purple skin that can look blue in certain lights. It’s a very firm apple that becomes sweeter and less tart as it ripens. This apple is great for kids to try because it’s crunchy and has a rich, slightly spicy flavor that’s different from regular apples.
Black Oxford Apple
Black Oxford apples have a deep purple-black skin that sometimes appears bluish. They are known for their juicy, sweet-tart taste and are often used for baking because they hold their shape well. This variety dates back to the early 1800s and is a great example of an old-fashioned apple with a unique color.
Enterprise Apple
Enterprise apples have a dark red skin with a bluish tint and are resistant to many diseases, making them easier to grow. They have a sweet, slightly tart flavor and are great for fresh eating or making juice. Kids will like that these apples stay fresh for a long time after picking.
Winecrisp Apple
Winecrisp apples have a deep red to purplish skin with a bluish sheen in some areas. They are very crisp and juicy, with a balanced sweet-tart flavor. This apple is newer and was developed to combine great taste with good storage qualities, making it a fun apple to try for kids who like crunchy fruit.
Arkansas Black Seedling
Similar to the Arkansas Black, the Seedling variety also has a dark purplish-blue skin. It’s known for its toughness and excellent storage life, often lasting well into winter. Kids can learn how apples can change flavor over time, as this apple gets sweeter the longer it’s stored.
Black Belle Apple
The Black Belle apple has a dark maroon skin that sometimes looks blue in the shade. It’s juicy and sweet with a hint of tartness, making it a nice apple for snacking. It’s not as common, so discovering this apple can be like finding a hidden treasure for young fruit explorers.
Liberty Apple
Liberty apples have a dark red skin with a bluish cast and are known for their resistance to apple scab, a common disease. They are sweet and slightly tart with a firm texture that kids enjoy biting into. This apple is popular in home orchards because it’s easy to grow and tasty.
Arkansas Black Jonagold
This hybrid combines the dark skin of Arkansas Black with the sweet-tart flavor of Jonagold apples. The skin can look dark purple-blue, and the apple has a complex flavor that’s both sweet and tangy. Kids who like trying new fruit flavors will find this apple interesting and delicious.
Black Twig Apple
Black Twig apples have a dark purple-black skin with a soft bluish tint. They are juicy and have a balanced sweet and tart taste. This variety is great for kids to learn about because it’s a heritage apple, meaning it’s been grown for a long time and has a story behind it.
Blue Pearmain Apple
The Blue Pearmain apple is one of the few truly blue-tinted apples, with a dark bluish-purple skin. It has a sweet, rich flavor and is often used for cider making. Kids might find it fun that this apple looks different from the usual red or green apples they see in stores.
How to Choose
When choosing between blue apple varieties, the most important things to consider are taste, texture, and use. Some apples are sweeter, while others are more tart, so pick one based on what you like. Also, think about how you want to eat the apple—fresh, baked, or juiced—as some varieties hold up better for cooking. Finally, look for apples that are firm and free of bruises for the best flavor and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are blue apples really blue? Most so-called blue apples are actually dark red or purple, which can look bluish in certain lights, but true blue apples don’t naturally exist.
Can you eat blue apple varieties raw? Yes, most blue apple varieties like Arkansas Black and Black Oxford are great for eating fresh because they are crisp and flavorful.
Why do some apples look blue or purple? The skin has pigments called anthocyanins that give apples their red, purple, or blue colors depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Are blue apples good for baking? Yes, many blue apple varieties like Black Oxford hold their shape well when cooked, making them excellent for pies and other baked goods.
Do blue apples taste different from red or green apples? They often have a richer, sometimes spicier flavor and can be less sweet or more balanced than common red or green apples.
Where can I find blue apple varieties? These apples are less common but can be found at farmers’ markets, specialty stores, or grown in home orchards.
Final Thoughts
Blue apple varieties offer a fun and tasty way for kids to explore fruit beyond the usual colors. Their unique dark, sometimes bluish skin and interesting flavors make them special to try. Whether eating fresh, baking, or juicing, these apples show how diverse and colorful apples can be. Next time you see a dark purple apple, remember it might just be one of these cool blue apple varieties!
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