America’s favorite apple — or should we say formerfavorite apple— the Red Delicious, has fallen from grace. After reigning supreme in the hearts of Americans for over 50 years, the Red Delicious has been ousted by the Gala, according to U.S. Apple Association (USApple). And TBH, we think it’s about time.
Don’t get us wrong, the Red Delicious is great. It’s the quintessential apple depictedin all types of media, and it’s truly a beautiful piece of fruit. But let’s be real — the Red Delicious isn’t all that delicious.
USApple estimates that Red Delicious production will decreasefrom 57.9 million units in 2017 to 51.7 million in 2018, whereas Gala production is estimated to leap from 49.5 million units in 2017 to 52.4 million in 2018.
Mark Seetin, USApple director of regulatory and industry affairs, stated in an August 23rd press release, “The rise in production of newer varieties of apples aimed at the fresh consumption domestic market has caused demand for Red Delicious to decline. However, Red Delicious is important in the export market, where it makes up roughly half of our apple exports.”
Gala is one of those newer varieties. It originated in New Zealand in the 1930s and was greeted by immediate success due to its sweetness and texture. Plus, according to farmers, it’s easy to grow.
Red Delicious is still the #2 most popular apple in America. But not far behind are the tart Granny Smith, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp varieties.
In fact, USApple predicts Honeycrisp will jump ahead of the Golden Delicious apple this year. And if their popularity continues to rise, USApple forecasts that Honeycrisp could even slide into third place in front of Granny Smith and Fuji.
Listen, people — the apple popularity contest is cutthroat.If and when you start to see more Gala apples at your local grocery store or farm stand come fall, you’ll know all about the drama that happened behind the scenes.
We still love you, Red Delicious. We just wish there was more to you. Sorry.
