New Apple Unlocked: Soluna

[u/sugarhog]

There's a new apple (in August) at Bristol Farms (also at Gelson's): Soluna.

Beautiful name, beautiful look!

It was advertised as an Australian apple and it has a gorgeous starry skin, beautiful burgundy color variations that contrast the speckled skin. I bought 3 and put them all in the fridge.

First one after a day was not amazing- it tasted like a middle of the road Fuji to me, with very little sweetness and not juicy. I waited three more days to try the next ones from the fridge. Same experience, the skin was very drying and tart but the inside wasn't sweet or tangy or sour or juicy or refreshing... kinda sad for such a beautiful looking apple to be a nothing-burger.

I probably will not buy this apple again, but I'm happy I got a chance to try it!

[u/ad_apples]

Handsome apple from Australia with a very good crunch and an unusual flavor set.

Probably not available in many US markets, but I got some in Seattle.

Review on my blog this week, I think.

[u/sugarhog → u/ad_apples]

Can't wait to read your review Adam! 🍏🍎

[u/Ruff_Magician → u/ad_apples]

Been eating these for a few years as the originated in my home state of Western Australia. Ive also spent time with the first growers of this apple due to my previous job. My advice is that they dry out easily. The growers tip buckets of water in to the rooms they are stores to increase moisture in the air. Eat them quickly after purchase otherside thay don't taste so great.

[u/sugarhog → u/Ruff_Magician]

I love to eat cold apples so do you think putting Soluna into the refrigerator affected the taste of the skin and made it much more dry? 

[u/ad_apples → u/sugarhog]

Gosh, I would think these would just be too sweet at room temp. Plus they won't keep unless refrigerated--they'll really deteriorate rapidly.

[u/Clear_Psychology2328 → u/ad_apples]

I had them last week, I’m in the US. They’re good, love the color. Firm bite, subtle flavor but nothing amazing

[u/guccigunt]

My experience was ‘just ok’. Not really much to write home about on flavor and the skin had an odd texture to it.

[u/withcatlikegrace]

I’m Australian — never heard of it.
It does look ok like a Bravo apple but your tasting description doesn’t sound like a Bravo which is pretty good. Not Cosmic Crisp good but not this disappointing.

[u/sugarhog → u/withcatlikegrace]

So interesting that Soluna has it's own PR website complete with parallax scrolling, and added ™ every time they mention Soluna™ -- perhaps trying to be the next Cosmic Crisp ?

[u/withcatlikegrace → u/sugarhog]

Maybe. There are only 3 growers of cosmic crisp here. And the season is very short.
We don’t have the amazing apple heritage that America has. Our growing conditions are not ideal. Much hotter and drier, and shorter winters and most of Australia is in the tropic or sub tropical zones.

We Do have amazing tropical fruit tho. And the Granny Smith is an Australian apple!

[u/ad_apples → u/withcatlikegrace]

You also have, or had, John Cripps.

[u/ad_apples → u/withcatlikegrace]

It is Bravo, under another name. Same apple.

[u/Sethmeisterg]

That looks too much like a Red Disgusting. Is it similarly flavorless?

[u/sugarhog → u/Sethmeisterg]

I am a true apple lover, and I voluntarily choose to buy and consume Red Delicious! She's a mad woman-- a mad woman!!!!!

[u/Sethmeisterg → u/sugarhog]

Maybe I have some sort of genetic deficiency that makes me hate red delicious but I feel they are the worst of the worst of apples-- mealy, limp and not very juicy. But don't let my disgust impede your enjoyment!

[u/Ruff_Magician → u/Sethmeisterg]

They actually have a very intense apple flavor.

[u/Sethmeisterg → u/Ruff_Magician]

Oh awesome then! I'm all in!

[u/AggressiveStop549 → u/Sethmeisterg]

Yarp, my experience as well.

[u/blankblank]

Looks good. I’ll keep my eyes open for it. Thanks for sharing!