Mutsu (Crispin, Mitsu) *

I bought one of these big guys at Volante Farms yesterday. Volante says this about Mutsu:

This Japanese apple is a descendant of the Golden Delicious. It is large, spicy, crisp & juicy. Excellent all-purpose apple.

Various sources say this is the Crispin apple by another name.

Mutsu is bigger and greener than Golden Delicious, whatever its relation.

This is a large fruit, almost cylindrical, with definite ribs and a light green-yellow skin.

The color varies from green-yellow to yellow-green and has darker green spots perhaps a tenth of an inch across, some with tiny white centers and some with tiny brown ones.

The flesh is firm, creamy light-yellow-green, juicy, and crunchy. The flavor is mild and light, with a sweet-tart mix that is balanced but not very vivid. 

There are faint notes of ginger and spice, and perhaps vanilla. There is a some pleasing astringency after the finish.

Mutsu is a fun apple to eat because of its heft, juice, and crunch. The flavor is not simple, but some might find it a little washed out.

Where some apples taste like cider, Mutsu's refreshing lightness is more like a cool glass of water with an apple tang.