The comprehensive resource for apples and orchards

Fuji apple

Developed in Japan, but an all-American cross of Red Delicious and Ralls Janet. A very attractive modern apple, crisp, sweet-flavoured, and keeps well.

Fuji photo tape

Fuji is surely one of the more attractive modern apple varieties. Its main characteristic is the lovely pink speckled flush over a yellow-green background. It is also crisp and juicy, with dull white flesh which snaps cleanly. The flavor is predominantly sweet, very refreshing (especially if slightly chilled), but not particularly outstanding.

As you might expect, Fuji comes from Japan, where it was developed in the 1940s and released in 1962.  However its parentage is all-american. Fuji is a cross between the widely grown Red Delicious, and Ralls Janet, which is much less well known but is probably the reason for Fuji's attractive pink flush.

Fuji apples are quite widely grown, the main northern hemisphere production comes from Japan, China and the USA. Fuji is a late-ripening apple variety, and becomes available in November/December northern hemisphere orchards) and May/June (southern hemisphere orchards). Fuji apples need lots of sunshine to ripen properly so it is not grown commercially in the UK or nothern USA.

In some ways it is surprising that Fuji is not a more popular variety, given its excellent appearance. The obvious comparison is with Pink Lady, and in many respects Fuji has the better appearance - the pink flush has a lighter background and the skin texture feels clean and dry compared to the sheen of Pink Lady. Of course Fuji, being an older variety, does not have the same degree of marketing effort which has supported the rise of Pink Lady. Also, it has to be said that the colour variation of Fuji is quite wide, ranging from from light pink to crimson pink - some of this being the result of the development of a number of sports and variations on the original.

For most of the 20th century the USA dominated world apple production (mainly with Golden Delicious and Red Delicious), but China is now the biggest single apple growing region.  Fuji accounts for more than 70% of apple production in China.

Last updated 02 Jan 2011.

Summary

  • Species: Malus domestica
  • Parentage: Delicious x Ralls Janet
  • Origin: Japan
  • Introduced: 1962
  • Developed by: Tohoku Research Station
  • Orange Pippin Cultivar ID: 112700

Identification

  • Fruit size: Large

Using

  • Good for eating fresh
  • Flavour quality: Good
  • Flavour style: Sweeter
  • Ripening period: Very-Late season
  • Use / keeping: 3 months or more

Growing

  • Cropping: Heavy
  • Flowering period: Mid-Late season
  • Flowering group: 4
  • Fertility: Self-sterile
  • Triploid: No
  • Vigour: Average growth
  • Biennial tendency slight tendency
  • Gardening skill: Average
  • Precocity: Slow to start bearing early crops tend to have poor flavor
  • Fruit bearing: Spur-bearer

Climate

  • Suitable for warm climates
  • Low-chill requirement 500 hours

Disease resistance

  • Scab  - Some resistance
  • Fireblight  - Very susceptible

Relationships to other varieties

Parents and other ancestors of this variety:

Sports (natural genetic mutations) of this variety:

Fuji identification photos from official fruit collections


UK National Fruit Collection

©Crown Copyright more >
UK National Fruit Collection

Fuji identification photos from website visitors


Fuji Nagafu tape


Fuji Nagafu


Rate this variety for flavor

Current rating: 4 out of 5. Total votes cast: 4
 

Visitor comments

(Use the form at the bottom to add your own comments about this variety)

10 Jan 2012 RhCA, United States
When they first appeared on the market in the 80s, oooh, I fell in love with them. They were HUGE! You needed two hands to eat them. They were also very sweet, crispy, and really juicy. With incredibly long, long shelf life! Even when they got a little wrinkled, the flavor didn't change. Nowadays, the fuji apples I'm seeing aren't even comparable. I wish they'd breed the old strain more. Those were the perfect ones, I thought. I still like Fuji's for their crisp, sweet, juiciness, but they're just not the same anymore.
21 Sep 2011 LostindajungleUnited States
Fuji apples in general have great texture. Firm dense flesh. The main problem with Fuji's are the supermarket conditions they're sold in. However, looking for "pretty" apples, also gets you one that tastes good. If you see a Fuji with excellent coloration, you're 99% sure of getting an excellent apple. Firmer and generally tarter than Galas. Generally a good buy year round and out of season.
06 Oct 2010 DaveWASHINGTON, United States
I grow several strains of Fuji. For best flavor try Myra Fuji - very high brix and super crisp. For an early Fuji try Auvil Early Fuji. So many of the Fujis you see in the stores were picked half-green. Look for Fujis with good coloring and size. You won't be disappointed.
01 Oct 2010 MargaretLANZAROTE, Spain
Has anyone else noticed that the Fuji apples this year are somewhat flavourless and even a little cotton-woolly compared to last year's crop? All I can find are Fuji apples from Chile and they are quite small and go soft really quickly. I did find some French ones once this summer and they were almost crisp but now we're back to the not-so-good Chilean ones. I'm so disappointed as I thought that I had found my perfect apple!
13 Aug 2010 JudyGA, United States
This is my all time favorite apple! Sweet, crunchy, yummy! One HUGE benefit I have enjoyed is that one Fugi apple at night after dinner has given me relief from acid reflux. I was really having problems, but the Fugi apple kicked out the problem!!! BUT the past two weeks I cannot find them in any of the local grocery stores. Does anyone know why? I have been able to get them year around. Was there a recall or health issue, or what? I could find nothing online. There is not even an empty spot where they normally display Fugi apples!
17 Jul 2010 Barbara DardisCAMBRIDGESHIRE, United Kingdom
Can anyone tell me where to purchase Fuji apples as my loca supermarkets no longer seem to stock them.
15 Jul 2010 YvonneUnited Kingdom
I absolutely love Fuji Apples, but I can't get them any more, as none of our supermarkets are stocking them any longer. I've tried every other apple available and none of them come anywhere close to the sweet, crispy Fuji. If anyone knows of any supplier in the UK, please let me know. Thanks.
03 Jun 2010 David M. TaylorWI, United States
I have been enjoying Fuji apples for the past few weeks. I find them to be sweet, juicy and crunchy, with a unique grape-like flavor. They are becoming one of my favorite apples. That being said, they do seem to be of variable quality. When they are good, they are really good. But occasionally I get one that is bitter and not as sweet. And these were all purchased at one time so I do not know why this is happening. But I am willing to ignore this for the great taste of the good ones.
31 Mar 2010 YankUnited Kingdom
We have switched to make this our staple apple after our daughter was attracted to their near-fluorescent pink glow they in Morrison's, and we do not regret it. They are consistently juicy, uniformly shaped (important for us when cutting them to go into lunch boxes), keep well, and do not bruise as easily as many red apples. We've not had a bad apple in 12 months of buying these week-in week-out. I'm happy to recommend these to anyone :) Where do supermarket Fuji apples come from - are they from Japan?
05 Nov 2009 TesTORONTO, ONTARIO, Canada
Although I'm happy to see the fuji in the top 10 list, I think it should deserve a higher spot. It's a really delicious apple with a unique and outstanding taste.
03 Nov 2009 FatimaPortugal
ive eaten fuji apples for as long as i can remeber! they are by far the best tasting apples in this world!! however they are quite pricey in portugal, compared to the uk. id reccomend them 2 every1!!
14 Oct 2009 NiamhIRELAND, Ireland
I got two packs of Organic Fuji Apples this year from Tesco. The first 4 pack tasted horrible and bland. I only ate them because I hate waste. I opened the second pack and took one. It was delicious and tasty. The other three in the pack were devoured soon after.
22 Sep 2009 Dennis LeadbeaterBEDFORD UK, United Kingdom
I do not understand why you have made such a comment about Fuji apples. I have recently reintroduced myself into eating lots of fruit and have found Fuji to be the best looking, textured and tasty of the apples aveilable just now. Nip in to your local Tesco and retry one please, they are gorgeous
27 Feb 2009 ChrissySAN DIEGO, CA, United States
I'll admit I've had a bad Fuji or two. But that's what you get when you shop at a Supermarket. That being said, nothing compares to a good Fuji. I bite into the crisp, firm flesh only to be rewarded by a hardy crunch and that sweet juice dribbling down my chin. For a moment, it's like being a kid again.
30 Jan 2009 MargaretLANZAROTE, Spain
This variety of apple has just arrived in the Canary Islands and is a welcome change from the floury, tasteless varieties that we normally have in the shops. I enjoy the sharp/sweet crispness of the flesh and hope that they do not deteriorate later on in the season as do the others.
25 Jan 2009 JuliaLAS VEGAS, NV, United States
I haven't had a good Fuji apple in years. Maybe the ones that I've tried were "rushed" and did not give good taste. I decided to try Fuji again, so I went to the store and bought a couple. The feel was crisp and crunchy; the taste was sweet, very juicy, very delicious!
24 Jan 2009 PartonniMICHIGAN, United States
Actually Red Delicious used to be a much better, more flavorful apple. The sweetness and flavor have been bred out over the years to match consumer demand, but the original cross that became Fuji was made nearly 80 years ago. But, yes, nowadays Fuji is a far superior variety (one of the best in my opinion).
11 Jan 2009 VickieCALIFORNIA, United States
I really, really like Fuji apples!
06 Dec 2008 Phil RobinsonUnited Kingdom
I only came across Fujis about six years ago - now I will have no others. It is the best in my opinion, even better than cox orange pippin. We are proud of our apples in the UK - but the Fiji is best.
22 Nov 2008 BootAustralia
I love Fujis and I also love how different they are from many of the apples I grew up with. I particularly enjoy the variety of colours that they can be found in, even in the biggest of supermarket. The best ever was a small organic fuji in a local grower's market. Heavenly!
16 Nov 2008 Steve HalliwellDORSET, United Kingdom
I've only ever had these in SE Asia and can honestly say it is one of the most dissappointing apples I've ever eaten. With its soft woolly flesh the flavour is thin with only light sweetness and no acidity.
05 Nov 2008 YukaTOKYO, Japan
I am flabbergasted. The Fuji apple is one of my favorites in Japan. There are always the crops that have been rushed out to market under inadequate conditions, but pay a little attention to what you purchase and you won't be disappointed. The better fruits are not just sweet and juicy, they smell of the delicate pink-white apple flowers and all their nectar, warm sun and crisp air. Non-fanatics who have had such Fujis would no doubt agree to my sentiment. ..to think that the Fuji is a descendant of those red, soft, waxy-plasticky things called Red Dxxxxxxs...!!
12 Feb 2008 M. ReedCOLLEGE STATION, TX, U.S., United States
Perhaps I haven't had a good Fuji. To me, the Red Delicious heritage is all too apparent--all hype and no flavor.
07 Nov 2007 LynnFLORIDA, United States
This is my favorite apple. I love the crispness and juciness and they stay this way even with storage. I will try any variety that comes my way, but this one has by far been my favorite so far.
15 Oct 2007 Michael WillisSTAFFS, United Kingdom
I like Fugi apples very much ,but they are expensive. The local shop sells them at 29p each, a lot dearer than other types.

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Fruit tree register

Do you have a tree of this variety in your garden or orchard? If so please register the details here and contribute to our international register of fruit trees.

The following Fuji trees have been registered - click the name to view more details of each tree.

You can also view these trees on a map.

United States

Italy

Canada

Australia



Latest Spring blossom records for this variety

2011 season

  • 24th May  2011  - tree owned by Chris in NANAIMO, Canada
  • 20th May  2011  - tree owned by Ted in WEST MOUNTAIN, United States
  • 10th April  2011  - tree owned by Steve in rio vista, United States

2009 season

  • 18th April  2009  - tree owned by Steve in rio vista, United States

Record your blossom dates in our Fruit Tree Register - more >>.

Latest harvest records for this variety

2011 season

  • 4th week October  2011  - tree owned by Randy in BAXLEY, United States
  • 1st week October  2011  - tree owned by Chris in NANAIMO, Canada

2009 season

  • 2nd week August  2009  - tree owned by Steve in rio vista, United States

Mature heights for Fuji trees

This table shows the likely mature height for a Fuji tree taking into account the vigor of the variety, the rootstock, and soil conditions.

Rootstock Soil quality
Poor Below average Average Above average Very good
P22 2.5 ft
0.8 m		 3.1 ft
0.9 m		 3.7 ft
1.1 m		 4.3 ft
1.3 m		 4.9 ft
1.5 m
M27 2.8 ft
0.9 m		 3.5 ft
1.1 m		 4.2 ft
1.3 m		 4.9 ft
1.5 m		 5.6 ft
1.7 m
M9 4.2 ft
1.3 m		 5.3 ft
1.6 m		 6.3 ft
1.9 m		 7.4 ft
2.3 m		 8.4 ft
2.6 m
Bud.9 4.2 ft
1.3 m		 5.3 ft
1.6 m		 6.3 ft
1.9 m		 7.4 ft
2.3 m		 8.4 ft
2.6 m
Geneva 16 4.2 ft
1.3 m		 5.3 ft
1.6 m		 6.3 ft
1.9 m		 7.4 ft
2.3 m		 8.4 ft
2.6 m
Geneva 11 4.9 ft
1.5 m		 6.1 ft
1.9 m		 7.4 ft
2.3 m		 8.6 ft
2.6 m		 9.8 ft
3.0 m
M26 5.3 ft
1.6 m		 6.6 ft
2.0 m		 7.9 ft
2.4 m		 9.2 ft
2.8 m		 10.5 ft
3.2 m
Geneva 30 5.6 ft
1.7 m		 7.0 ft
2.1 m		 8.4 ft
2.6 m		 9.8 ft
3.0 m		 11.2 ft
3.4 m
MM102 5.6 ft
1.7 m		 7.0 ft
2.1 m		 8.4 ft
2.6 m		 9.8 ft
3.0 m		 11.2 ft
3.4 m
M7 6.3 ft
1.9 m		 7.9 ft
2.4 m		 9.5 ft
2.9 m		 11.0 ft
3.4 m		 12.6 ft
3.9 m
M116 6.3 ft
1.9 m		 7.9 ft
2.4 m		 9.5 ft
2.9 m		 11.0 ft
3.4 m		 12.6 ft
3.9 m
MM106 7.0 ft
2.1 m		 8.8 ft
2.7 m		 10.5 ft
3.2 m		 12.3 ft
3.8 m		 14.0 ft
4.3 m
MM111 8.4 ft
2.6 m		 10.5 ft
3.2 m		 12.6 ft
3.9 m		 14.7 ft
4.5 m		 16.8 ft
5.2 m
Bud.118 9.1 ft
2.8 m		 11.4 ft
3.5 m		 13.7 ft
4.2 m		 15.9 ft
4.9 m		 18.2 ft
5.6 m
M25 10.5 ft
3.2 m		 13.1 ft
4.0 m		 15.8 ft
4.8 m		 18.4 ft
5.6 m		 21.0 ft
6.4 m

From an idea by N. Buck - more details.

Where to buy apple trees

The following fruit tree nurseries offer Fuji apple trees for sale:

Where to buy apples

The following orchards and suppliers offer Fuji apples for sale. map >

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