National Opal Apples Day is on December 9, and we are celebrating a sunny fruit, unlike any other—Opal apples! With a vivid bright yellow appearance, unique crunch, and sweet and tangy flavor, this fruit is a cross between a Golden Delicious apple and a Topaz apple. But what makes this apple extraordinary is its incredible natural non-browning properties, meaning it will remain fresh and crunchy after cutting. Gone are the days when salads and lunchboxes were opened to soft and mushy browning apples! Opals can be left sliced for hours and won’t turn brown!
Opal apples are non-GMO and grown exclusively in the United States. Many people are choosing Opals, and we encourage everyone to try them out and taste the difference!
History of National Opal Apples Day
There are over 7,000 varieties of apples, but Opal apples clearly stand out. Opal apples were discovered in Europe in 1999 and today, it is one of the most sought-after apples on the market. Opal apples can’t be compared to an everyday apple. From their striking golden appearance to their one-of-a-kind oxidation-resistive properties, more and more people are choosing Opals as their go-to for salads, smoothies, and light snacks. The fruit is also popular with children, who may be picky eaters.
Exclusive North American growing and selling rights to the Opal apple, a naturally non-browning apple with independent non-GMO verification, was obtained in 2010. The fruit industry was abuzz with the exciting new variety, which rose in popularity, especially among health-conscious consumers.
Opal apples are in season from November through June each year, and although they’re available in major grocery stores nationwide, they’re not as common as Honeycrisps or Galas, so don’t miss out! Enjoy them while you can!
National Opal Apples Day timeline
Opal apples are discovered by a team of botanists in Europe.
Exclusive North American rights to Opal apples, with non-GMO verification, are obtained.
Opal apples are sent to the astronauts on the International Space Station.
World-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck serves Opal apple spring rolls to the guests at Paris Hilton’s wedding.
FirstFruits Farms sponsors the first National Opal Apples Day, which includes a survey and fun quiz. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
National Opal Apples Day - Survey Results
What your apple choice says about you!
National Opal Apples Day FAQs
Are Opal apples good to eat?
Opal apples are tasty and healthy, they have a fantastic texture, and they don’t turn brown when exposed and left out in the air.
What are Opal apples best for?
Opal apples can be used in most recipes that require apples. You can add them to salads, coleslaws, and other meals without fear of ruining the dish.
Are Opal apples the same as Golden Delicious?
While Opal apples are a cross between a Golden Delicious apple and a Topaz apple, Opal apples are unique in that they are more flavorsome and incredibly crisp.
How To Celebrate Opal Apples Day
Find Opal apples near you
What better way to celebrate National Opal Apples Day than by buying them and tasting them for yourself? You can find Opal apples at select locations across the country.
Try a recipe
They're nutritious and tasty! If you think apples are great, wait until you try recipes using Opal apples as an ingredient. Some recipe ideas are Opal apple overnight oats, Opal apple cranberry chutney, and Opal apple smothered pork chops.
Share it with others
Opal apples may be the fruit that gives back but sharing them is even more satisfying. Let others know what they are missing out on by presenting them with sliced Opal apples or by sharing information about them with your friends and food groups on social media.
5 Reasons To Choose Opal Apples
They're crispy, flavorful, and sweet
Beautifully bright yellow, crunchy, and packed with flavor, we bet you won't be able to resist taking another bite of this delicious fruit.
They're naturally non-browning
Apples oxidizing and browning after being cut is the worst, but Opal apples remain fresh and crispy.
Non-GMO
Opal apples are not genetically modified; they're 100% natural.
Opal apples give back
The company that produces Opal apples sponsors the Youth Make A Difference program empowers youth leaders to contribute to their communities and tackle issues like food security and sustainable farming across the country.
Opal apples are super healthy
The fruit is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which are ideal for strengthening the immune system and promoting lower cholesterol.
Why We Love National Opal Apples Day
Opal apples are irresistible
The question is, how can we NOT love Opal apples? An aesthetically pleasing fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor bursting with every bite? We can see why people are opting for this variety more and more.
They have great health benefits
Not only are they delicious but they're also packed with nutrients. Opal apples a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, making them super healthy.
Opal apples don't turn brown
We at National Today are in awe of this unique characteristic. Apples that don't oxidize and turn brown? We are here for it! Add to that the fact that this is a 100% natural feature of Opals, and we have an apple that leads the pack.
National Opal Apples Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 9 | Monday |
| 2025 | December 9 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | December 9 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | December 9 | Thursday |
| 2028 | December 9 | Saturday |
