National Opal Apples Day – Dec. 9, 2026

National Opal Apples Day
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FruitHealthy Food
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United States
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Every December 9
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National Opal Apples Day brightens the calendar every December 9, celebrating a truly unique fruit. Known for their vivid yellow hue, sweet-tangy flavor, and remarkable non-browning properties, Opal apples are a game-changer for snacks and salads. Slice one up, pack it for lunch, or bake it into a pie to experience the difference!

Want to sponsor National Opal Apples Day? Learn how

Expected National Opal Apples Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that grocery retailers often feature Opal apples with special pricing around National Opal Apples Day. Look for deals at stores like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and other specialty grocers. Brands like Opal Apples and their distributor CMI Orchards may also run social media contests or recipe challenges. Expect to see complementary products, such as cheese pairings or caramel dips, also on sale. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 9 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Opal Apples Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #OpalApplesDay. Show off your favorite non-browning Opal apple recipes or snack hacks.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #OpalApples. Share vibrant photos of Opal apples in lunchboxes, fruit salads, or as a healthy snack.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalOpalApplesDay. Ask your community for their favorite ways to enjoy Opal apples.

Social Media Tips for National Opal Apples Day

Individuals

Grab an Opal apple for a healthy, convenient snack that stays fresh even when sliced. Experiment with them in your favorite salads or try a new baking recipe.

Creators

Film a 'day in the life' video featuring Opal apples in various meals, showcasing their non-browning quality. Create a recipe reel for a unique apple dessert or savory dish.

Brands

Collaborate with a food blogger to develop exclusive Opal apple recipes. Run a social media giveaway featuring Opal apples and related kitchen gadgets, encouraging user-generated content.

Top Brands for National Opal Apples Day

  1. Opal Apples

    The brand behind the distinctive bright yellow, sweet-tangy, and naturally non-browning apple. Opal apples are a cross between Golden Delicious and Topaz varieties, known for their crisp texture and long shelf life after cutting.

  2. CMI Orchards

    A leading grower, packer, and shipper of premium apples, pears, and cherries. CMI Orchards is a primary distributor of Opal apples in North America, bringing this unique fruit to grocery stores nationwide.

  3. Whole Foods Market

    Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is a multinational supermarket chain specializing in organic and natural foods. They are a prominent retailer where consumers can find Opal apples, often highlighted for their quality.

  4. Sprouts Farmers Market

    Founded in 2002 in Chandler, Arizona, Sprouts Farmers Market is a healthy grocery store offering fresh, natural, and organic foods. They are known for their commitment to fresh produce and often stock specialty items like Opal apples.

  5. Washington State Apple Commission

    Established in 1937, this commission promotes the Washington apple industry globally. Washington State is a major growing region for many apple varieties, including Opals, upholding high standards for quality and sustainability.

  6. KitchenAid

    Since 1919, KitchenAid has been producing high-quality kitchen appliances, from stand mixers to blenders. Their versatile tools are perfect for preparing Opal apples in various recipes, from apple sauces to baked goods.

  7. Nature's Bakery

    A family-owned bakery founded in 1990, Nature's Bakery specializes in fig bars and other wholesome snacks. They represent the broader market for healthy, on-the-go fruit-based snacks, aligning with the convenience of Opal apples.

National Opal Apples Day Hero

Dr. Jaroslav Tupy

Dr. Jaroslav Tupy is a Czech fruit breeder credited with developing the Topaz apple, one of the parent varieties of the Opal apple. His work in creating disease-resistant and flavorful apple varieties laid foundational groundwork that contributed to the unique genetic makeup of the Opal apple, known for its crispness and sweet-tart balance.

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

1999
An Apple Breakthrough

Opal apples are discovered by a team of botanists in Europe.

2010
Exclusive Rights

Exclusive North American rights to Opal apples, with non-GMO verification, are obtained.

2015
Apples in Space

Opal apples are sent to the astronauts on the International Space Station.

2021
Pop Culture

World-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck serves Opal apple spring rolls to the guests at Paris Hilton’s wedding.

2022
The First Celebration

FirstFruits Farms sponsors the first National Opal Apples Day, which includes a survey and fun quiz. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Opal Apples Day

Local businesses can celebrate National Opal Apples Day by incorporating the fruit into their offerings. Restaurants might feature a special Opal apple salad or a unique dessert like an Opal apple tart. Cafes could offer freshly pressed Opal apple juice or smoothies. Grocery stores can create eye-catching displays with recipe cards, emphasizing the apple’s non-browning quality for meal prep and school lunches. Consider hosting a tasting event or a social media contest for customers to share their favorite Opal apple creations.

National Opal Apples Day - Survey Results

What your apple choice says about you!


National Opal Apples Day FAQs

When is National Opal Apples Day?

National Opal Apples Day 2026 falls on a Wednesday, December 9. It’s the perfect mid-week reminder to enjoy this unique, non-browning fruit.

What makes Opal apples special?

Opal apples are renowned for their natural non-browning properties, meaning they stay fresh and crisp for hours after being sliced. This makes them ideal for salads, lunchboxes, and charcuterie boards.

Where are Opal apples grown?

Opal apples are exclusively grown in the United States, primarily in the state of Washington. This ensures high-quality cultivation and contributes to their premium status in the market.

Are Opal apples GMO?

No, Opal apples are certified non-GMO. They are a natural crossbreed of the Golden Delicious and Topaz apple varieties, developed through traditional breeding methods.

How To Celebrate Opal Apples Day

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. They're naturally non-browning

    Apples oxidizing and browning after being cut is the worst, but Opal apples remain fresh and crispy.

  3. Non-GMO

    Opal apples are not genetically modified; they're 100% natural.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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
2026 December 9 Wednesday
2027 December 9 Thursday
2028 December 9 Saturday
2029 December 9 Sunday
2030 December 9 Monday