What happens when you cross a Gala apple and a Braeburn apple? You may end up with an apple that would eventually be called Kanzi.
Learn all about this apple that originated in Belgium.
In the last decade we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of apple varieties hitting the grocery store.
The question I have had is how many of these new ones are going to endure the test of time.
Today, I decided to look back at one of those apples that I first tried a decade ago - the Kanzi.
How is it holding up against the varieties that have hit the store since it's arrival? And if you haven't had it before, what is it like?
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? Origin
The Kanzi was created by combining two popular apples, the Gala and the Braeburn. This took place in Belgium, making in the first modern apple variety that I know of from that country.
The apple first hit the market in 2005. I had my first one in 2011.
Where does the name come from? Kanzi means "hidden treasure" in Swahili. Does that name meaning make you more excited to give it a try?
? Compared to Jazz
Kanzi is not the only apple to have Gala and Braeburn as it's parents - the Jazz apple does as well.
Let's take a look at them side by side:
They do look like different apples. Jazz has less orange and yellow colors in it's skin and more of a pink hue. I would say that if Gala is the father, then Jazz looks more like it's dad and if Braeburn is the mother, then Kanzi looks more like it's mom.
? Taste
Here is how I rate the Kanzi apples in 5 different categories.
| Crispiness | 7 |
| Tartness | 6 |
| Flavor | 7 |
| Sweetness | 8 |
| Juiciness | 7 |
This apple has the sweetness of a Gala, and the tartness of a Braeburn. It's more sweet than tart. It is juicy and crisp, with a great apple flavor. Another great out of hand eating apple.
Back to comparing it with Jazz. I think if you like one you will like the other. They are similar, but I would give a slight edge to Kanzi. I do need to taste them side by side one of these days!
โ Uses
Straight up out of hand eating is where they shine. My wife tried some slices of Kanzi along with a sharp Red Leicester cheese from England. It was a huge hit.
As for baking with it, I prefer a more tart apple for this purpose but I have seen recipes online for people baking with them, so you surely could give it a try.
โ๏ธ Season
Available year round
Winter and spring times are when I notice them most in the stores. The ones I had in March this year had good flavor and were still pretty crisp. You may be able to find them nearly year round as once the Washington crop is gone, we get them imported from overseas.
? Where to Buy
Here are some stores that I have found or heard this apple is in:
- Central Market
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe's
- Publix
- Sam's Club
- Costco
- Mariano's
- Fred Meyer
I don't find them in every grocery store I go, but if I really wanted one, I don't feel like it would be too much of a hunt. Since they are basically available year round, there is more chance to get them, then some of the other new varieties that have a more limited season.
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? Other Apples
Here are some other apple varieties you'll want to compare the Kanzi against. With the exception of Jazz, all these apples have a limited season and can't be found year round at the time of this writing.
Have you tried this apple? What did you think? Leave a comment below telling us. Be a helper and share where you found it. You may make someone's day with your insider info on where to get them! If you are a true apple lover, you'll want to check out all of our apple reviews.
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