"Matt" <
<snip>

Someone earlier remarked about the discrepancy between
> fuji apple sizes. The huge fujis are the normal sized fujis. The
> majority
> of these end up being shipped over seas and sold at high prices ($7 per
> apple or more). Since Americans won't spend that much on an apple, we get
> the culls in our supermarkets -- the stuff that wasn't good enough for the
> high-end markets. Fujis in our own stores are generally pretty small.
> I've
> only seen decently sized fujis at the farmer's markets or the regular
> stands
> at Pike Place Market. But anyway once you've had a tree-ripened fuji
> which
> has reached a light "water core" state (often referred to as an "apple
> disorder" because it can't be safely stored anymore, but making the apple
> sweet and tasty), grocery store apples don't taste quite the same.
> Tree-ripened apples are enormously better tasting than apples which are
> picked early in order to survive shipping and long-term storage. Mealy
> and
> mushy apples are usually ones which have been in storage for some months
> or
> which you failed to refrigerate after bringing home. After an apple comes
> out of temperature controlled storage you need to keep it refrigerated or
> it
> will very quickly become mealy and tasteless.
>
> -Matt
> ===========

Hi Matt. It was me that mentioned the Fuji sizes...

Thank you SO much for all of the great information! Prior to moving back to
Florida I was fortunate to live near quite a few apple orchards. I haven't
had any apples that were 'wonderful' since I moved back.

I can remember though when back in the 60s the Red Delicious apples actually
were 'delicious'... Oh well.

Cyndi