So, who attended The Produce Club Apple Tasting Party? I had a total of 24 attendees, and some were kind enough to fill out these dossiers. Things I found interesting, during our taste testing:
Most moms said they prefer one variety, but buy another -- one for the kids. This "other" variety typically is gala or It's hard to hand out samples and take pictures. Sorry!granny smith.
I specifically asked about rusting on Opal apples, which I know the apple industry and retailers point out as a potential deterrent to sales, and only one person at the parties said they remembered seeing that on an apple.
Most said they want more varieties to choose from. One said she remembered seeing an apple usage chart on the wall, and that it had disappeared and she wanted it back.
The most someone said they ever paid for an apple was $5 a pound. Most typically said they spent around $2 a pound.
Most people love HoneyCrisp, but complained about the lack of small fruit.
Amy, 36, mom of 3
Favorite apple: Honeycrisp
Apple Typically bought: gala, mcintosh, honeycrisp
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Price 2. Flavor 3. Appearance
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: $3.50 – maybe
Susan, 60s, 2 people in the household
Favorite apple: Jazz, Ambrosia, Envy
Apples typically bought: Jazz, Ambrosia, Envy
Most important factors in apple purchcase: 1. Flavor 2. Appearance 3. Price
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: Not sure – it's not an issue
Carolyn, 34, mom of 2
Favorite apple: Jazz, golden delicious
Apple typically bought: gala, Honeycrisp, jazz
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor 2. Price 3. Appearance
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: ??? I buy them at Costco, so I don't know.
Morgan, 34, mom of 2
Favorite apple: Honeycrisp
Apple typically bought: Honeycrisp and the ones in a bag – gala?
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor 2. Price 3. Appearance
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: $4.00
Amanda, 36, mom of 2
Favorite apple: Honeycrisp
Apple typically bought: gala
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor 2. Price 3. Appearance
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: $3.99
Christi, 38, mom of 4
Favorite apple: Honeycrisp
Apple typically bought: gala and granny smith
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor, 2. Appearance 3. Price
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: $4.00
Something she wishes her produce guy knew: I wish there were more small size apples. Giant ones turn me off.
Favorites after the tasting:
1. Sweet Cheeks
2. Jazz
3. Kiku
4. Opal
Tiffany, 40, 9 people in her home
Favorite apple: Pink Lady
Apple typically bought: Gala or fuji
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Price 2. Flavor 3. Appearance
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: $3/popund
Taste over appearance! Small to medium apples are best.
Favorites after the tasting:
Sweet cheeks
Envy
Kiku
Beth, 37, mom of 4
Favorite apple: not sure
Apple typically bought: gala and “green” because of the kids
Most important factors in apple purchase:
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: $5!
Big apples are good for me, but bad for my kids.
Erin, 43, mom of (soon to be) 2
Favorite apple: Honeycrisp
Apple typically bought: honeycrisp, fuji
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor 2. Appearance 3. Price
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: $4/pound
Mistie, 35, mom of 2
Favorite apple: Honeycrisp, SweeTango
Apple typically bought: gala
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor 2. Price 3. Appearance
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: not sure
I buy what I see first that's not red delicious – I'm usually in a hurry.
Alyssa, 34, 3 adults, 4 kids
Favorite apple: Pinata
Apple typically bought: Honeycrisp and granny smith
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor 2. Price 3. Appearance
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: $3.99/pound
I love more variety. I like trying new things and I get bored.
Trisha, 38, 2 adults, 1 part time kid, 1 on the way
Favorite apple: Not sure? Maybe gala?
Apple typically bought: Whatever looks yummy.
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor. 2. Appearance 3. Price
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple:
Tina, 29, mom of 2
Favorite apple: Honeycrisp
Apple typically bought: Pink Lady or gala, braeburn for baking
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor 2. Price 3. Appearance
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: $4 per pound
I'd like more variety. I'm happy to buy ugly and drops. Also, fresh pressed cider!
Ashley, 29, 2 adults
Favorite apple: SweeTango
Apple typically bought: Jazz or Pink Lady, Fuji – anything crisp
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor.
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: ?
I don't value appearance over flavor.
Rosemary, 2 adults in household
Favorite apple: Gala, mcintosh
Apple typically bought: gala, mcintosh
Most important factors in apple purchase: 1. Flavor 2. Price 3. Appearance
The most (per pound) she's ever paid for an apple: $4
