Cameo Apple

Cameo Apple

Short intro (for readers): A modern Washington State apple with a crisp, juicy bite and balanced sweet‑tart flavor. Great fresh and reliable in pies and crisps.

SEO title: Cameo Apple: Taste, Uses, Season, Storage, and Nutrition
Meta description (120–155 chars): Discover the Cameo apple—crisp, juicy, and sweet‑tart. Learn its origin, flavor, best uses, harvest season, storage tips, and nutrition.

Overview

  • Style: Sweet‑tart • aromatic • very crisp
  • Best for: Fresh eating, pies & crisps, salads, slaws
  • Harvest (N. Hemisphere): Late season (Oct–Nov)
  • Storage: Good keeper; holds texture well in cold storage

Origin & History

Cameo was discovered as a chance seedling in the late 1980s near Dryden, Washington, on the Caudle family’s orchard. It entered commercial production in the 1990s and is now grown widely across the U.S. and other temperate regions. Parentage is unconfirmed but widely believed to involve Red Delicious and Golden Delicious. Early marketing briefly used the name “Carousel,” before “Cameo” became the trade name.

Appearance

Medium to large, with a bright red‑to‑crimson stripe over a yellow‑cream background. Conical shape; thin skin. Flesh is cream‑colored and fine‑grained.

Flavor & Texture

Crisp and juicy with a clean sweet‑tart balance. Aromas often described as honeyed with light citrus and vanilla notes. Texture keeps its snap in the fridge and holds structure when cooked.

Best Uses

  • Fresh eating: Big crunch; crowd‑pleasing balance.
  • Pies & crisps: Keeps shape and adds fragrant acidity; blends well with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Salads & slaws: Thin skin and firm flesh slice nicely; toss with lemony dressings.
  • Snacks & boards: Pairs with cheddar, gouda, prosciutto, nuts, and honey.

Season & Availability

Harvested October–November in Washington and other Northern Hemisphere growing areas. Thanks to controlled‑atmosphere storage, good fruit is common late fall through spring.

Storage & Handling

  • At home: Refrigerate at 32–36°F (0–2°C) with high humidity. Enjoy within 3–4 weeks for peak crunch.
  • Quality tips: Choose heavy, firm fruit with vivid striping and minimal bruising.

Nutrition (per 100 g, apple with skin)

~52 kcal • ~14 g carbohydrate • ~2–3 g dietary fiber • ~4–5 mg vitamin C • ~100 mg potassium.

Buying & Pairing Tips

  • Buy: Firm, weighty apples with bright striping and a creamy background.
  • Pair with: Cheddar, gouda, brie; walnuts or pecans; cinnamon, cardamom, ginger; lemon or orange zest; maple or honey.

Fun Fact

Cameo was briefly sold as “Carousel” before the name was standardized—one reason older produce guides sometimes list both names.

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Dryden, Washington, USA (late 1980s)
  • Parentage: Unconfirmed; likely Red Delicious × Golden Delicious
  • Flavor: Crisp, juicy, sweet‑tart with light citrus/vanilla notes
  • Texture: Firm, fine‑grained; holds shape when cooked
  • Best for: Snacking, pies & crisps, salads
  • Harvest: Late season (Oct–Nov)
  • Storage: Good keeper in refrigeration

Optional Blocks for Your Page

Tasting Notes (callout box):
Crisp, juicy, and balanced with honeyed sweetness and a gentle citrus‑vanilla lift.

Best Uses (bullets): Fresh eating • Pies & crisps • Salads & slaws • Cheese/charcuterie boards

Kitchen Tip: For a pie with both structure and brightness, blend Cameo with Granny Smith or Braeburn.

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