Piñata apples

Piñata is a crisp, juicy apple with a balanced sweet-tart flavor and a faint pineapple note on the finish.

German breeders at Dresden-Pillnitz developed it from Clivia and Golden Delicious, and it was released in Europe in 1986 as Pinova. Stemilt began growing it in Washington in 2004 and sells it in North America as Piñata.

Piñata at a glance

Also known as: Pinova
Origin: Dresden-Pillnitz, Germany
Introduced: Released in Europe in 1986
Parents: Clivia x Golden Delicious (Clivia comes from Cox's Orange Pippin and Duchess of Oldenburg)
Skin: Red-orange blush and stripes over yellow
Flesh: Cream, crisp, juicy
Licensed variety: Yes, Piñata is a licensed brand

What Piñata tastes like

Sweet and tart in balance, with tropical, pineapple-like notes. The flesh is crisp and juicy.

Sweet
Tart
Crunch
Juicy

Best ways to use Piñata

Piñata holds its shape well and keeps its tang in pies, tarts and baked apples.

Fresh eating
Excellent
Salads and cheese boards
Good
Baking and pies
Excellent
Sauce and apple butter
Good
Cider and juice
Good

When Piñata is in season

Harvest

October

In stores

Nearly year-round

Piñata stores well and stays crisp for weeks in the refrigerator.

Apples like Piñata

Jazz

Tangy, dense and very crunchy.

Braeburn

Spicy, tart and great in pies.

Golden Delicious

The all-purpose yellow apple.

Common questions about Piñata

What does Piñata taste like?

Sweet and tart in balance, with tropical, pineapple-like notes. The flesh is crisp and juicy.

Is Piñata good for baking?

Piñata holds its shape well and keeps its tang in pies, tarts and baked apples.

When is Piñata in season?

Piñata is harvested in October and is usually in stores nearly year-round.

How should I store Piñata apples?

Piñata stores well and stays crisp for weeks in the refrigerator.

Is Piñata a licensed apple?

Yes. Piñata is a managed variety, so only licensed growers can produce and sell it.