Apples are one of the most popular fruits, known for their sweet, tart flavor and versatility. While most apples have a typical “apple” taste, some varieties have more complex flavors that are reminiscent of spices like cinnamon.
Cinnamon-flavored Apples
There are a few apple varieties that are known for their cinnamon-like flavor:
Rome Apple
The Rome apple, also known as Rome Beauty, is a firm, crisp apple with streaks of red over a pale green/yellow background. Rome apples have a mild, sweet flavor with a slight tartness and a hint of cinnamon. This apple is a cross between a Winesap and an unknown apple.
Jonagold Apple
Jonagold is a popular commercial variety that originated as a cross between the Jonathan and the Golden Delicious. Jonagold apples are large with a pale green/yellow skin blushed with orange-red. The flesh is crisp and juicy with a sweet-tart flavor that has hints of honey and cinnamon.
Honeycrisp Apple
Honeycrisp apples have gained immense popularity in recent years for their exceptionally crisp, juicy flesh and well-balanced sweet-tart flavor. Honeycrisp apples have a ripe pear/melon aroma and the flavor has been described as a “bang” of aromatics, with hints of brown sugar, spice, and ripe tropical fruits. There are subtle notes of cinnamon and spice in a good Honeycrisp.
Pink Lady Apple
Pink Lady is the brand name for the Cripps Pink apple cultivar. Pink Lady apples are oval in shape with a distinctive pinkish-red blush over a green/yellow background. The flesh is crisp and dense with a tart-sweet flavor reminiscent of citrus and subtle cinnamon spice notes.
Cinnamon Spice Apple
As the name suggests, Cinnamon Spice apples were bred specifically for their spicy cinnamon flavor. They were developed by horticulturists at the University of Minnesota by crossing a Zestar and a Honeygold. Cinnamon Spice apples are medium-large with red striping over a greenish-yellow background. They have an exceptionally crunchy texture and a sweet flavor infused with notes of cinnamon and caramel.
What Causes the Cinnamon Flavor in Apples?
The cinnamon-like flavor in certain apple varieties comes from the unique blend of aromatic compounds, organic acids, sugars, and polyphenols that develop in the apples. Here are some of the key factors:
Cinnamaldehyde
Many of the compounds that give cinnamon its signature flavor are also found in apples. Cinnamaldehyde is the main chemical compound that gives cinnamon its spice. Traces of cinnamaldehyde naturally develop in some apple varieties and impart subtle cinnamon notes.
Procyanidins
Apples contain polyphenolic compounds called procyanidins that contribute to their complex flavors. Procyanidins with polymer chains of a certain length are perceived as more “cinnamon-like.” Varieties like Jonagold, Rome, and Pink Lady tend to have higher levels of these compounds.
Sugar Content
The balance of sugars like glucose, sucrose, and fructose along with organic acids also affects the perceived cinnamon notes in apples. Varieties like Honeycrisp with higher sugar levels bring out warmer spice flavors.
Storage Time
The cinnamon spice flavors tend to become more pronounced after 1-2 months of controlled atmosphere storage. Chemical changes happen during storage that increase levels of aromatic compounds.
Is Cinnamon Added to Apples?
The cinnamon flavor comes from the apples’ natural chemistry and is not added artificially. However, there are some fun and creative ways cinnamon can be paired with apples:
- Apples baked into pies, tarts, muffins with cinnamon sugar
- Dipping apple slices in cinnamon-spiced sauces or caramel
- Apples cooked into compotes with cinnamon sticks
- Cinnamon-spiced cider with fresh apple slices
- Hard apple cider blended with cinnamon whiskey
The next time you eat an apple with a warm spice flavor, it’s the natural aroma compounds at work, not added cinnamon. Choosing flavorful varieties like Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Pink Lady can provide that tasty cinnamon kick in every crunchy bite.
Conclusion
Certain apple varieties naturally develop a cinnamon-like flavor from compounds like cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols. Rome, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Cinnamon Spice are examples of apples known for their spice. The cinnamon notes become more pronounced after storage as the apples’ chemistry changes. While real cinnamon isn’t added to apples, the flavors complement each other perfectly in baked goods, sauces, ciders, and more. So enjoy experimenting with cinnamon-flavored apples in your cooking and snacking for a touch of spice.