Akane

Pronounced "ah-kah-nay." This large apple is a very pretty bright red over yellow, slightly conical and slightly ribbed. It is decorated with irregular small light lenticels.

Note that my sample was waxed, as I bought it in a supermarket while visiting Seattle. Perhaps for that reason, the fruit had no aroma at all.

Akane's dense white flesh was moderately yielding and had a good balance of sweet and tart and generally light and generic flavors but also a suggestion of a vinous quality and hints of kiwi and, towards the finish, white wine.

This is a chewy apple with a chewy peel, filling and not super juicy.

Akane's delicate flavor and substantial texture are appealing, but I feel there is a little something missing. Its main flavors are not assertive, on the other hand it has a subtle kick that is interesting and unusual.

I think this one would add an interesting note to salads, though unlike the perennial Cortland, often pressed into that service, Akane browns rapidly.

Akane is a modern variety from Japan, crossing Jonathan with Worcester Pearmain. It is in turn a parent of Sansa, which shares some qualities and which I prefer.

Update: I have a new (though similar) review of a better sample.