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Apples
Opal Apple
✓ VerifiedAlso known as: UEB32642
Czech Republic (1999)
Opal holds US Plant Patent PP15,963 under the cultivar designation UEB 3264/2, discovered in the fall of 1999 in the Czech Republic as the result of a deliberate breeding program crossing Golden Delicious (female parent) and Topaz (male parent), with the specific documented goal of combining high disease resistance, high yield, and excellent fruit quality — not an accidental discovery, despite that being loosely repeated by some sources. It is now widely grown commercially in Washington State, valued for its distinctive golden-yellow to golden-orange skin and firm, aromatic, honeyed flesh.
Submitted by @system · 3 days ago
Counts toward the overall Top Tier Fruit list — every category's votes are compared the same way.
Growing & Care
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 5-8
Chill hours
~800 hours
Pollination
Needs a pollinator.
Care info
Notable disease resistance to scab and mildew inherited from its Topaz parent, a real advantage for low-spray or organic production.
Recommendations
A strong pick for growers wanting reduced fungicide inputs, and for anyone who prefers a milder, less acidic yellow apple.
Flavor Profile
Sweet with low acidity, milder than most modern red apples; resists browning once cut
Quick facts
Skin color
Solid golden yellow
Size
Medium to large
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 5-8
Chill hours
800