Origin & history
Jazz is the consumer brand for the cultivar Scifresh, developed in New Zealand by HortResearch (now Plant & Food Research). It comes from a cross of Royal Gala × Braeburn made in the 1980s, with commercial release in the 1990s. Marketed globally by T&G Global (ENZA), Jazz was one of the first widely planted “club apples,” grown in New Zealand, the U.S. (especially Washington), Europe, Chile, and elsewhere.
Appearance
Medium to large, round‑conic. Skin is dense red to maroon with lighter striping and a yellow‑green ground. Flesh is cream‑colored, very firm and dense.
Flavor & texture
Known for being dense, very crisp, and juicy. Flavor is tangy‑sweet: high sugar balanced with noticeable acidity, often with subtle pear or spice notes. Texture is firmer and more compact than many dessert apples.
Best uses
- Fresh eating (crunchy, tangy‑sweet profile)
- Salads an