Orin

Why you should be excited

Orin is a classic Japanese apple: sweet, aromatic and fruity in flavour, with barely a hint of tartness.

The story of Orin

A sweet apple, like virtually every significant variety that’s been bred in Japan, Orin’s flavour –- according to some –- includes a hint of pineapple. Others say they sense a taste of pear.

We’re pretty sure most of us will notice neither.

Regardless, you’ll find it sweet and fragrant and you’ll like it if you’re into sweet apples that are almost absent of tartness. It’s also a good-sized yellow apple that’s subtle and fragrant.

The third-most-grown apple in Japan, Orin shares the same parents (Indo and Golden Delicious) as Mutsu and Shizuka.

And it’s gained a modest foothold as an organic commercial apple in British Columbia.

Orin Facts

Its origins

Bred in Aomori, Japan, 1952 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

A sweet, juicy, honeyed flavour and aromatic with low acid and a pale, yellow flesh.

Appearance

Fairly large, oblong in shape, with yellow skin, sometimes blushed red-orange and with prominent white spots (lenticels) over the skin.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in mid-October).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not particualrly known for use in cider.

Keeping ability

So-so (up to 2 months when kept refrigerated).