Fuji (apple)

{{Short description|Apple cultivar}}  {{Infobox cultivar | name = Fuji | image = Apfel-Fuji.jpg | image_caption = | genus = | species = ''Malus domestica'' | hybrid = Red Delicious × Ralls Janet | cultivar = Fuji | origin = {{flagicon|Japan}} Fujisaki, Aomori, 1939 }}

The {{nihongo|'''Fuji apple'''|ふじ|Fuji|lead=yes}} is an apple cultivar developed by growers at the {{nihongo|Tōhoku Research Station of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry|農林省園芸試験場東北支場|Nōrinshō engei shikenjō Tōhoku-shijō}} in Fujisaki, Aomori, Japan, in 1939.<ref>The Research Station moved to Morioka later; now National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, National Institute of Fruit Tree Science 果樹試験場リンゴ研究部 http://www.naro.affrc.go.jp/fruit/kin/apple/017785.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311164459/https://www.naro.affrc.go.jp/fruit/kin/apple/017785.html |date=2013-03-11 }}</ref> It originated as a cross between two American apple varieties—the Red Delicious and Ralls Janet (sometimes called "Rawls Jennet") apples.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Mikolajski |first=Andrew |title=The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Apples |publisher=Lorenz Books |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-7548-2066-6 |pages=77}}</ref>

The Fuji was named and brought to market in 1962; its name is derived from the first part of the town where it was developed: Fujisaki.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Root Growth Changes in the Winter Planting of Young 'Miyabi Fuji'Apple Trees |url=https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=ru&user=OIZyxdUAAAAJ&citation_for_view=OIZyxdUAAAAJ:u-x6o8ySG0sC |access-date=2021-11-16 |website=scholar.google.com}}</ref> Its flavor is sweet and its texture is crisp. It can be used to make apple sauce.<ref name=":22">{{Cite news |last=Kottke |first=Colleen |date=September 30, 2025 |title=Evercrisp, Empire, Fuji, oh my! Here's what Wisconsin apple growers say is best for pie, cider, applesauce |url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2025/09/30/wisconsin-apple-growers-recommend-best-types-for-pie-applesauce-cider/86169780007/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250930200431/https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2025/09/30/wisconsin-apple-growers-recommend-best-types-for-pie-applesauce-cider/86169780007/ |archive-date=September 30, 2025 |access-date=September 30, 2025 |work=Green Bay Press Gazette}}</ref> According to the US Apple Association website, it is one of the nine most popular apple cultivars in the United States.<ref>[https://usapple.org/apple-varieties Apple varieties] by the US Apple Association</ref>

== Characteristics == Fuji apples are typically round and range from large to very large, averaging {{Convert|75|mm|in}} in diameter. They contain from 9–11% sugars by weight and have a dense flesh that is sweeter and crisper than many other apple cultivars, making them popular with consumers around the world. Fuji apples also have a very long shelf life compared to other apples, even without refrigeration. With refrigeration, Fuji apples can remain fresh for up to a year.<ref>{{cite book |last=Yepsen |first=Roger |title=Apples |year=1994 |publisher=W. W. Norton & Co. |location=New York|isbn=0-393-03690-1}}</ref>

The Fuji thrives in areas with relatively warm summers.<ref name=":0" /> A late-season variety, the Fuji ripens after the McIntosh, Gala, and Honeycrisp, but at the same time as the Empire, Red Delicious, and EverCrisp.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Kottke |first=Colleen |date=September 30, 2025 |title=Evercrisp, Empire, Fuji, oh my! Here's what Wisconsin apple growers say is best for pie, cider, applesauce |url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2025/09/30/wisconsin-apple-growers-recommend-best-types-for-pie-applesauce-cider/86169780007/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250930200431/https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2025/09/30/wisconsin-apple-growers-recommend-best-types-for-pie-applesauce-cider/86169780007/ |archive-date=September 30, 2025 |access-date=September 30, 2025 |work=Green Bay Press Gazette}}</ref>

== Popularity == In Japan, Fuji apples continue to be an unrivaled best-seller. Japanese consumers prefer the crispy texture and sweetness of Fuji apples (which is somewhat reminiscent of the coveted Nashi pear) almost to the exclusion of other varieties{{cn|date=November 2021}} and Japan's apple imports remain low.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/japan-fresh-fruit-market-update-2023 |title=Japan: Fresh Fruit Market Update 2023 |date=12 September 2023 |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |access-date=2024-03-31}}</ref> Aomori Prefecture, home of the Fuji apple, is the best known apple growing region of Japan. Of the roughly 900,000 tons of Japanese apples produced annually, 500,000 tons come from Aomori.

Outside Japan, the popularity of Fuji apples continues to grow. In 2016 and 2017, Fuji apples accounted for nearly 70% of China's 43 million tons grown.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.producereport.com/article/china-apple-exports-are-expected-hit-record-high-2016|title=China apple exports are expected to hit a record high in 2016 {{!}} China Fresh Fruit and Produce News|website=producereport.com|access-date=2017-06-11}}</ref> The Fuji has been a market success in North America since its debut there in the late twentieth century.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Bomey |first=Nathan |date=August 26, 2018 |title=Gala apple passes Red Delicious as America's favorite |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/08/26/red-delicious-apples-gala/1103768002/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250304021644/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/08/26/red-delicious-apples-gala/1103768002/ |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=USA Today}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Coppolino |first=Andrew |date=September 24, 2022 |title=The appeal of apples: changing consumer taste brings shift to crops grown |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/andrew-coppolino-apple-season-1.6593203 |access-date=December 2, 2025 |work=CBC News}}</ref> As of 2024, the Fuji ranked fifth among the most popular apple varieties in the United States, behind only the Gala, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2024 |title=2024-25 Apple Production Will Reach Nearly 260 Million Bushels |url=https://usapple.org/news-resources/2024-25-apple-production-will-reach-nearly-260-million-bushels |access-date=March 30, 2025 |website=US Apple Association}}</ref> It is also one of the top varieties in Canada, alongside the Ambrosia, Gala, and Honeycrisp.<ref name=":1" /> Most American Fuji apples are grown Washington State, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Oregon.<ref name=":62">{{Cite web |title=U.S. Apple Industry Outlook 2025 |url=https://usaa.memberclicks.net/assets/Industry%20Outlook%202025%20FINAL.pdf |access-date=October 20, 2025 |website=U.S. Apple Association}}</ref>{{Reference page|page=20}} However, by 2025, the Fuji dropped to sixth place in Washington State, overtaken by the Cosmic Crisp.<ref name="st-202508">{{cite news |last=Babiak |first=Larissa |date=August 8, 2025 |title=Cosmic Crisp is now the fifth-most produced apple variety in WA |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/agriculture/cosmic-crisp-is-now-the-fifth-most-produced-apple-variety-in-wa/ |access-date=September 4, 2025 |newspaper=The Seattle Times}}</ref>

center|frame|Decades after its introduction, the Fuji remains one of the top apple varieties in the United States.

In the United States and Canada, the price look-up code for Fuji apples is 4131.

==Gallery== <gallery mode="packed"> File:Fuji apples.jpg|Fuji apples File:Malus-Fuji.jpg|Fuji Kiku  on a tree File:Fuji apple with PLU code.jpg|A Fuji apple with a United States PLU code attached File:Apples in the supermarket.JPG|Fuji apples on a display in a supermarket File:Malus domestica Fuji Apple Hirosaki Aomori Japan 20161016a.jpg|A Fuji apple tree in Iwaki, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. </gallery>

==Mutant cultivars== Many sports (mutant cultivars) of the Fuji apple have been recognized and propagated. In addition to those that have remained unpatented, twenty had received US plant patents by August 2008: {| class="wikitable" !Date !"Inventor" !Marketed as !Mutated from !Assignee !Habit !Pattern !Earlier !Color !Plant patent number |- | Aug 29, 1989 || Hiraragi || Yataka || Fuji || Makoto Okada || standard || stripe || 1 Month || – || {{US plant patent|7001}} |- | Oct 6, 1992 || Yahagi || Heisei Fuji, Beni Shogun9645 || Yataka7001 || Nakajima Tenkoen || standard || solid || no || dark red || {{US plant patent|7997}} |- | Nov 17, 1992 || Cooper || T.A.C.#114 || Redsport Type 2 || T.A.C. || spur || stripe || 10–14 days || more brilliant red, 80—90% || {{US plant patent|8032}} |- | Sep 26, 1995 || Fukuda || Tensei || Fuji || Fukushima Tenkoen || standard, larger || stripe || no || same || {{US plant patent|9298}} |- | Apr 16, 1996 || Lynd || Fuji-Spike || Fuji || Lynd || spur || stripe || 0–5 days || same || {{US plant patent|9508}} |- | Sep 24, 1996 || Van Leuven || Myra || unknown red strain || C & O || standard || blush w/ subtle stripe || 1 week || bright pink || {{US plant patent|9645}} |- | Dec 9, 1997 || Auvil || Fuji 216 || T.A.C.#1148032 || Auvil || standard || blush || 5–21 days || brighter red, 90—100% || {{US plant patent|10141}} |- | Mar 24, 1998 || Coopr & Perkins || Fuji Compact T.A.C. #114 || T.A.C.#1148032 || T.A.C. || spur || same || same || same || {{US plant patent|10291}} |- | Jan 25, 2000 || Van Leuven || Fiero || Yataka7001 || C & O || standard || indistinct stripe || 7–10 days || more intense blush || {{US plant patent|11193}} |- | Sep 18, 2001 || Snyder || Snyder || BC 2 || Snyder || semi-spur || heavy stripe || same || same || {{US plant patent|12098}} |- | Nov 27, 2001 || Torres || Triple E || BC 2 || – || standard || 85—100% blush || 10–14 days || solid red || {{US plant patent|12219}} |- | Apr 16, 2002 || Rankin || Rankin Red || Yakata7001 || Twin Springs Fruit Farm || standard || 70—90% blush || 5 days || more intense || {{US plant patent|12551}} |- | Nov. 11, 2003 || Teague || Irene || BC 2 || – || standard || solid || 60 days || yellow || {{US plant patent|14299}} |- | Oct 26, 2004 || Braun || Brak || Fuji || Kiku || standard || striped || earlier || ruby red || {{US plant patent|15261}} |- | Feb 21, 2006 || Clevenger || Fugachee || Fuji || – || standard || 70—90% blush || 14 days before Fiero || – || {{US plant patent|16270}} |- | Jun 6, 2006 || Banning || Banning Red || Desert Rose Fuji || Banning || standard || stripe || – || redder || {{US plant patent|16624}} |- | Aug 14, 2007 || Lee, Edwards, Delugar || CABp || Nagafu 6 || CABp 4 || standard || stripe || – || "superior" || {{US plant patent|17914}} |- | Sep 11, 2007 || Eppich || Eppich 2 ||T.A.C. #1148032 || – || standard || blush with light stripe || unclear || yellow and red || {{US plant patent|18004}} |- | Apr 29, 2008 || Braun || Fuji Fubrax || Fuji || Kiku SRL || standard || dark ruby red stripes and blush || late || green-yellow || {{US plant patent|18761}} |- | Jul 29, 2008 || Leis, Mazzola || Fujiko || Nagafu 12 || Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti || standard || diffused || – || more intense red || {{US plant patent|19054}} |}

Unpatented Fuji mutants include: * BC 2 * Desert Rose Fuji * Nagafu 2 * Nagafu 6 * Nagafu 12 * Redsport Type 1 * Redsport Type 2

== Descendant cultivars ==

* Autumn Glory: Fuji × Golden Delicious<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Susan |date=September 14, 2011 |title=Age of the apple |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-09-14/features/sc-food-0909-apples-20110912_1_mcintosh-apples-apple-lovers-honeycrisp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815182002/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-09-14/features/sc-food-0909-apples-20110912_1_mcintosh-apples-apple-lovers-honeycrisp |archive-date=August 15, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2026 |work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> * EverCrisp: Fuji × Honeycrisp<ref>{{Cite web |last=Prengaman |first=Kate |date=10 October 2018 |title=EverCrisp: A club for everyone |url=https://www.goodfruit.com/evercrisp-a-club-for-everyone/ |access-date=2019-04-17 |website=Good Fruit Grower |language=en-US}}</ref> * Hokuto: Fuji × Mutsu<ref name="TasteAtlas">TasteAtlas. "Hokuto Apples | Local Apple From Aomori Prefecture, Japan." TasteAtlas, https://www.tasteatlas.com/hokuto-apples.</ref>

== See also == {{Portal|Food}} * Grāpple — a Concord grape-flavor-infused Fuji apple * Sekai Ichi * Tsugaru (apple)

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category|Fuji (apple)}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20041209122435/http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp2/circular/2000/00-11/applesit.htm Northern Hemisphere Apple Situation and Outlook] – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service * https://web.archive.org/web/20070928174409/http://www.idfta.org/cft/1998/vol31no1/barritt/Barritt_Fuji.pdf * http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/kitchen/handbooks/apples/northamerica.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410061335/http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/kitchen/handbooks/apples/northamerica.html |date=2009-04-10 }} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20120225075432/http://www.patentgenius.com/class/PLT/168.html Patents covering Fuji Apples] * [http://www.plucodes.com/ The International Federation for Produce Coding (IFPC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817173350/http://www.plucodes.com/ |date=2015-08-17 }} * [http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-03/nbi-pav032508.php# Popular apple variety harbors unusual cell growth] EurekAlert March 25, 2008

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fuji (Apple)}} Category:Japanese apples Category:Apple cultivars with patented mutants Category:Apple cultivars