Top 6 Most Expensive Apples In The World

Apples are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world, but not all apples are created equal. While most varieties are affordable and readily available, some apples stand out due to their rarity, unique cultivation methods, and hefty price tags.

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Japan has long been known to produce some of the most expensive fruits in the world and these luxurious apples are often prized for their exceptional taste, flawless appearance, and meticulous growing processes.

Here we would like to share with you the top 6 most expensive apples in the world.

6. Honey Crisp apple (Up to $6/Pound)

The Honeycrisp apple is one of the most unique apples thanks to its exceptional crunch, juiciness, and balanced sweet-tart flavor. Developed by the University of Minnesota in the 1960s, this apple was specifically bred to withstand harsh winter temperatures while delivering a superior eating experience.

One of the main reasons Honeycrisp apples are so expensive is the difficulty of growing them. The trees require careful pruning to ensure proper sunlight exposure, and they are highly susceptible to bitter pit, a condition caused by calcium deficiency.

Additionally, only 55-60% of the harvested apples meet the quality standards required for sale.

5. Pink Pearl apple (Up to $5 each)

The Pink Pearl apple is a unique and expensive apple variety known for its striking appearance and distinct flavor. Unlike most apples, which have a white or yellowish interior, the Pink Pearl apple features a vibrant pink flesh.

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This apple was first cultivated in 1944 by Albert Etter, a renowned horticulturist in California. It is a descendant of the Surprise apple, another variety with pink flesh. The Pink Pearl apple has a sweet-tart flavor, offering a balance of acidity and sweetness that makes it ideal for both fresh consumption and culinary uses.

4. Black Oxford (Up to $8 each)

Credit: Growing with Plants

The Black Oxford apple is a rare and expensive heirloom apple variety that originated in Maine, USA. It was discovered as a seedling by Nathaniel Haskell on a farm in Oxford County around 1790.

Over the centuries, it has gained a reputation for its distinctive deep purple hue, which can appear almost black, and its complex flavor profile that combines sweetness, tartness, and a hint of spice.

They are particularly valued for their long shelf life, as they can be stored for months without losing their quality. Due to their unique appearance and rich taste, they are considered a premium fruit, often selling for around $8 per apple.

3. Bardsey apple (~$17 each)

The Bardsey apple originates from Bardsey Island, a small and remote island off the coast of Wales. This apple is prized for its pinkish hue, sweet and juicy texture, and distinctive lemon scent.

The Bardsey apple has a fascinating history. It is believed to have first grown near a mansion built by Lord Newborough in the 1870s on Bardsey Island. The island itself has long been associated with Celtic pilgrimage traditions, and some legends suggest that it was once a burial site for saints.

Due to its rarity and historical significance, the Bardsey apple commands a high price, with individual apples selling for around $17 each. You can also make a purchase of the tree itself and pick these delicious apples whenever you want.

2. Black Diamond (Up to $20 each)

Credit: Arad Branding

The Black Diamond apple comes from the Nyingchi region of Tibet, where it is cultivated at high altitudes of over 3,500 meters. Despite its name, the apple is not truly black but rather a deep violet hue, which results from exposure to intense UV radiation during the day and cold temperatures at night.

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This apple belongs to the Huaniu apple family, sometimes referred to as Chinese Red Delicious. Due to the challenging growing conditions, Black Diamond apple trees take up to eight years to reach maturity, and their growing season lasts only about two months.

Because of these factors, farmers are often reluctant to cultivate them, making them even more exclusive. Black Diamond apples are considered a luxury fruit, often sold in high-end supermarkets at prices ranging from $7 to $20 per apple.

1. Sekai Ichi (~$20 each)

Credit: Al Rose

The Sekai Ichi apple is one of the most expensive apple varieties in the world, and it originated in Japan. Its name translates to "World's Number One," reflecting its exceptional size, quality, and hefty price.

What makes Sekai Ichi apples so expensive is the careful hand-pollination process used by growers, ensuring that each apple develops perfectly. Additionally, the apples are washed in honey to maintain a flawless, blemish-free surface. This level of attention to detail contributes to their luxurious reputation, with prices reaching over $20 per apple.

Sekai Ichi apples are primarily grown in Aomori Prefecture, though they were originally bred in Morioka. They are a cross between Golden Delicious and Red Delicious apples, combining the best qualities of both varieties.

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