Japanese Square Apples – Everything You Want to Know

Have you ever heard of Japanese square apples? These intriguing fruits have captured the imagination of fruit enthusiasts around the world with their unique and unconventional shapes.

Aptly named for their distinct square form, Japanese square apples, also known as cube apples, are a captivating anomaly in the world of apples.

In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore the fascinating realm of Japanese square apples, uncovering their origins, cultivation methods, distinct characteristics, and the allure they hold for both fruit aficionados and curious minds.

What Are Japanese Square Apples?

Japanese square apples, also known as “Tokyo Apples” or “Cube Apples,” are fascinating fruit that has captured the attention of fruit enthusiasts worldwide.

These apples, as their name suggests, have a distinct square shape that sets them apart from conventional rounded varieties. In order to better understand what makes them so exceptional, we’ll take a close look at their origin, cultivation methods, appearance, and more.

Where Did Japanese Square Apples Originate?

The exact origins of Japanese square apples are not widely documented, and information about their development and introduction into the market remains relatively limited.

It is believed that the cultivation of square apples originated in Japan, where innovative agricultural practices and a deep reverence for precision and aesthetics have led to the creation of various novelty fruits.

While specific details are often closely guarded by the producers, the general technique for growing square apples involves placing the fruits inside square molds during their growth stages. They are very similar to Buddha pears.

As the apples mature and expand, they conform to the shape of the molds, resulting in their distinct square form. This meticulous cultivation process requires careful attention to detail and the use of specialized molds to achieve the desired outcome.

The motivation behind developing square apples lies in the pursuit of novelty and aesthetic appeal.

Japan has a rich culture of appreciating unique and beautifully presented foods, making the creation of cube apples a natural extension of this artistic approach.

These unconventional fruits have become popular for their striking appearance and the whimsical delight they bring to those who encounter them.

How Are Japanese Cube Apples Grown?

Growing Japanese cube apples is a meticulous and intricate process that involves precise cultivation techniques to achieve their distinctive square shape.

While the exact methods used by producers are often closely guarded secrets, the general approach to growing cube apples can be outlined. Let’s explore the process in detail.

The first step in growing Japanese cube apples is selecting suitable apple tree cultivars. These cultivars are specifically chosen for their ability to produce apples with desirable qualities, including the potential to conform to square molds during growth.

To ensure successful pollination and fruit formation, individual apple blossoms on the selected trees are carefully protected. This protection can involve measures such as covering the blossoms with specialized bags or nets.

Once the apples begin to form, they are placed inside square-shaped molds. These molds are often made of clear plastic or other materials that can withstand the growth process.

Each apple is carefully positioned within its mold, ensuring a snug fit that encourages the fruit to grow into the desired square shape.

As the apples continue to grow and mature, they expand within the confines of the molds. The fruit’s natural development process is guided and constrained by the shape of the mold, resulting in the characteristic square form.

Throughout the growth process, farmers closely monitor the cube apples, checking for optimal development, health, and quality. Appropriate care, including regular watering, nutrient management, and protection from pests or diseases, is provided to ensure the fruits reach their full potential.

Once the cube apples have reached maturity and attained the desired square shape, they are carefully harvested. Farmers employ gentle handling techniques to preserve the fruits’ integrity and avoid any damage to their unique structure.

What Do Japanese Square Apples Look and Taste Like?

Unfortunately, the only thing that makes a square apple a “square apple” is the shape. There isn’t one specific cultivar used to create these apples, so things like texture, juiciness, and flavor could vary from producer to producer.

So, what we can discuss in more detail is their shape and size.

When fully grown, Japanese square apples showcase a square or cube-like shape, differing from the naturally rounded form of regular apples.

The edges of the fruit are typically well-defined, accentuating their geometric and visually appealing structure.

The skin of square apples can exhibit various colors, including shades of red, yellow, or green, depending on the specific cultivar used.

The taste of Japanese square apples can vary based on the specific cultivars utilized in their cultivation. Like regular rounded apples, square apples offer a balance of sweetness and tartness.

The flavor profile can range from crisp and refreshing to mildly tangy, providing a delightful taste experience.

Do Japanese Square Apples Have Seeds?

The presence of seeds in square apples is determined by the genetics of the apple variety used in their cultivation. Some apple cultivars produce fruits with seeds, while others are bred to be seedless or have very few seeds.

If you prefer to avoid seeds altogether, you can look for specific apple cultivars that are known for their low seed count or seek out seedless varieties.

However, if you do come across seeds in square apples, they can typically be easily removed before consuming the fruit or incorporated into recipes as desired.

It’s always a good idea to check the specific variety of square apples you have or consult with the seller to determine whether the particular cultivar used in the production of square apples tends to have seeds or is known for being seedless.

How Do You Use Japanese Square Apples?

To be perfectly honest, we don’t know why anyone would use Japanese square apples for anything other than eating them fresh (whole) or using them whole in a dish or dessert. 

The entire point of these apples (and the reason they are so expensive) is their shape! As soon as you cut it up, you may as well have bought a regular apple. Because again, it’s about the shape, not flavor or color.

That being said, you can still use them in many different ways, including in different dishes.

Fresh Healthy Snack

Enjoy the square apples as a fresh and healthy snack. Simply bite into the crisp and juicy flesh for a refreshing burst of flavor.

And remember, there are different square apple varieties out there, so you should pick one whose flavor sounds most intriguing.

Salads

Cube or slice the square apples and add them to salads for a unique twist. Their distinct shape and vibrant colors can elevate the visual appeal of your salads while providing a delightful crunch.

Desserts

Incorporate Japanese square apples into your desserts for a visually striking element. Use them in pies, tarts, or crumbles to create eye-catching patterns or cube-shaped apple fillings.

They can also be caramelized or baked as apple chips for a tasty treat.

Garnishes

Slice the square apples thinly and use them as decorative garnishes for drinks, cocktails, or plated desserts. Their unique shape can add an elegant touch to your culinary presentations.

Apple Crafts

Due to their square shape, Japanese square apples lend themselves well to artistic creations.

They can be used in fruit displays, table centerpieces, or even carved into decorative shapes for special occasions or events.

Gift Giving

Share the novelty and uniqueness of Japanese square apples by presenting them as a thoughtful gift. Their distinct appearance makes them an intriguing and memorable present for fruit enthusiasts or those who appreciate culinary curiosities.

Can You Find Japanese Square Apples Outside of Japan?

While square apples are predominantly grown in Japan, their availability beyond the country’s borders can be limited, albeit possible.

Due to their unique nature and the specialized cultivation methods involved, the production of cube apples remains relatively small-scale.

As a result, they are often considered specialty items, sought after by collectors, fruit enthusiasts, and those looking for distinctive gifts.

In recent years, the popularity of cube apples has transcended international boundaries.

Fruit enthusiasts and curious consumers worldwide have shown a keen interest in experiencing the novelty and visual appeal of these remarkable fruits. Their presence in markets, high-end fruit shops, and online platforms has expanded, albeit with limited availability and potentially higher prices due to their exclusive nature.

How Much Do Japanese Square Apples Cost?

The cost of Japanese square apples can vary depending on various factors such as availability, location, and demand.

Since Japanese square apples are considered specialty fruits and are not as widely available as traditional rounded apples, they may be priced at a higher range compared to regular apple varieties.

Additionally, factors like import costs, shipping, and exclusivity can contribute to their price.

To get an accurate understanding of the cost, it is best to check with local specialty markets, high-end fruit shops, or online platforms that specialize in unique or exotic fruits.

These sources can provide the most up-to-date information on pricing and availability in your specific area.