What Is the Difference Between Jazz Apples & Pink Lady Apples?

Origin

• Jazz apples and Pink Lady apples both were developed in the southern hemisphere. The Jazz variety is a cross between Braeburn and Gala apples, developed in New Zealand in the 1980s by the Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand. Jazz's little sister is known as Kanzi. However, Pink Lady apples are a cross between Golden Delicious and Lady Williams, developed in Australia in 1973 by John Cripps. They may also be referred to as Cripps Pink. The Pink Lady's little sister is known as Cripps Red or Sundowner. The siblings of each variety share the same apple parentage.

Appearance

• The outside of the Pink Lady has a green skin that ripens to yellow with pink and red tones. It is also large in size. Jazz apples have more of an orange-yellow background with red tones and are considered to be small to medium in size. Inside, Jazz apples are more cream-colored, while Pink Lady apples are white. When choosing an apple, note that a variation in color of either variety leads to a different taste.

Taste

• Both of these crisp apples have a sweet taste to them. Jazz apples have only a hint of tart flavor, whereas the Pink Lady has a balance of the two flavors. This makes both of them appealing as a snack food and allows for many uses in recipes.

Use

• Both apples are tasty as a snack and for making applesauce. CooksInfo.com, however, does not recommend using Pink Lady apples in cooking or for freezing since they taste better fresh. Pink Lady apples are often paired with other fruits, foie gras and ginger, while Jazz apples go well with salads and in pies.