Does a Lemonade Apple Taste Like Lemonade?
Please don't be another "Cotton Candy Grapes" situation.
Have you ever had those "cotton candy" grapes? You know, the grapes that don't taste anything like cotton candy? That's where my expectations were when I took a bite out of the Lemonade Apple. If you're going to name your apple after a delicious beverage such as lemonade, you've got high standards to live up to.
First of all, the Lemonade Apple does indeed have a nice lemon-y, almost highlighter-yellow colorway. On the Apple Color Spectrum I'd say it falls somewhere between a Granny Smith and a Golden Delicious. The skin is a pretty solid, consistent color as well. There's not much variation, specks, or other extra character marks.
You've probably noticed this particular model is not symmetrical at all. Most of the other Lemonade Apples I saw at the market were similarly tall and narrow, but less crooked. I'm not sure why this was the one I decided to take home. It won't be gracing the cover of any grocery story flyers, but I don't mind apples having a little quirkiness.
Let's get on to the eating. More times than not, I find myself slicing apples to dip in peanut butter or to serve to the youngest human in my home. So, that's naturally how I approached the Lemonade Apple without really thinking twice. I wish I wouldn't have done that. I think I missed out on the the quintessential Apple experience.
Anyway, the first bite had the bright, crisp sound I'm looking for. The thin skin was easily pierced, and the firm flesh broke away like a chunk of ice on a glacier. I have to admit I've never thought this much about the sensory experience of eating an apple. It's really all about that satisfying crunch, and the Lemonade Apple passed with flying colors.
It's time to talk about flavor–does it actually taste like lemonade? Well, the taste is a bit like the color. Where the color is the middle of a more aggressive green and vibrant yellow, the flavor is between the extra tart Granny Smith and the sweet Golden Delicious. Like lemonade, it's not too sweet, not too sour.
There's also an initial taste/after taste thing going on that's kinda nice. The first bite is deliciously sweet, and then the sour flavor slowly ramps up and feels acidic on the way down. I'm in my 30s and my taste buds are dying like everyone else, so I greatly enjoy tangy, sour things. This is a good apple.
Side note: have you tried blue cheese or olives recently? When did they get so good?!
So, I guess the Lemonade Apple does live up to it's name–but it doesn't taste like citrus. And, to be honest, the Lemonade Apple doesn't taste very apple-y either. The flavor profile is mainly just sweet followed by sour. I think the word I used up there is adequate for the Lemonade Apple. Good, but not great. Above average.
Unlike Cotton Candy Grapes, I'm not mad about lemonade being co-opted to sell apples. The Lemonade Apple is yellow, sweet, tangy, and refreshing–all things I associate with the drink. I think these would be excellent to stash in the fridge and bite into on a hot day. Now, who can we get working on Margarita Apples?
Comments ()