kinds of beautiful knowledge

Origin Story

Pacific Rose was bred and first introduced in New Zealand, with its commercial release dating to 1997. Developed by ENZA (The New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Board), it emerged from the country’s tradition of innovative apple breeding. Its parentage combines two celebrated New Zealand varieties—Splendour and Gala—resulting in a fruit that quickly gained favor in both domestic and international markets. Today, Pacific Rose is widely grown in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay region and in Washington State, USA, reflecting its global popularity.

Classification

Pacific Rose belongs to the Rosaceae family, within the genus Malus and the species Malus domestica. As a named cultivar, it is registered under the ICNCP standards and is recognized by leading authorities such as ENZA, USDA, and RHS. Its classification places it among dessert apples, prized for fresh consumption due to their appealing taste and texture.

Appearance or Form

This apple is medium to large in size, with a striking rosy pink to light red skin overlaying a yellow background. The flesh is pale cream, exceptionally crisp, and juicy, inviting a satisfying crunch with every bite. Its attractive coloration and smooth, bruise-resistant skin make it a standout on store shelves and in fruit bowls.

Behavior or Usage

Pacific Rose is primarily enjoyed as a fresh eating apple, thanks to its sweet flavor and crisp texture. It is also suitable for salads and light culinary uses, where its juiciness and mild taste shine. However, it is not typically recommended for cooking or cider production, as its low acidity and delicate sweetness are best appreciated raw.

Merchandise & Prints

Bring this kind into your world � illustrated posters, mugs, and shirts.

Pacific Rose Pacific Rose Poster

Pacific Rose Poster

Archival print, museum-grade paper

Pacific Rose Pacific Rose Mug

Pacific Rose Mug

Stoneware mug, dishwasher safe

Pacific Rose Pacific Rose Shirt

Pacific Rose Shirt

Soft cotton tee, unisex sizes

Attributes & Insights

Taxon-Specific Insights

🌍Cultural Significance

While Pacific Rose does not have deep historical roots, its rise reflects New Zealand’s reputation for producing high-quality fruit and its influence on modern apple breeding. The apple is often featured in premium retail displays and is associated with contemporary consumer preferences for sweetness and visual appeal. Its trademarked name and branding have made it a recognizable choice in supermarkets, especially in regions where imported New Zealand apples are valued for their quality.

📌Notable Facts

  • Pacific Rose was created by crossing two popular New Zealand apples: Splendour and Gala.
  • It is celebrated for its exceptionally sweet flavor and low acidity, making it a favorite among those who prefer mild apples.
  • The apple’s skin is resistant to bruising, contributing to its excellent shelf life and suitability for long-distance shipping.
  • Pacific Rose is trademarked and marketed under its distinctive name, especially in premium retail settings.

👅Flavor Profile

Pacific Rose offers a sweet, mild flavor with very low acidity, making it one of the gentlest apples on the palate. Its pale cream flesh is exceptionally crisp and juicy, delivering a refreshing crunch and subtle aroma. The overall taste is mellow and pleasing, ideal for those who prefer apples without tartness.

Visual Variations

High quality studio photograph of a single Pacific Rose
High quality studio photograph of a single Pacific Rose
A close-up image showing a cross-section of a Pacific Rose of the taxonomy apples, sliced cleanly in half to reveal internal structure, seeds, and flesh
A close-up image showing a cross-section of a Pacific Rose of the taxonomy apples, sliced cleanly in half to reveal internal structure, seeds, and flesh
A naturalistic photograph of a Pacific Rose, hanging on its tree branch with leaves visible
A naturalistic photograph of a Pacific Rose, hanging on its tree branch with leaves visible
A photograph of a freshly sliced Pacific Rose of the taxonomy apples, presented as part of a fruit salad in a clear bowl
A photograph of a freshly sliced Pacific Rose of the taxonomy apples, presented as part of a fruit salad in a clear bowl
A detailed macro shot focusing on the skin texture and color variation of a Pacific Rose
A detailed macro shot focusing on the skin texture and color variation of a Pacific Rose
A simple arrangement showing several whole and one cut-open Pacific Rose, displayed on a wooden surface
A simple arrangement showing several whole and one cut-open Pacific Rose, displayed on a wooden surface

Composition & Context

Taxon-Specific Insights

Growing Regions

Pacific Rose is primarily cultivated in New Zealand, especially in Hawke’s Bay, and in the United States, notably Washington State. Its adaptability to temperate climates has led to limited production in other apple-growing regions, but New Zealand and the US remain its main centers of commercial cultivation.

Parentage And Breeding

This cultivar is the result of a controlled cross between Splendour (seed parent) and Gala (pollen parent), both originating from New Zealand. The breeding was conducted by ENZA, with the aim of combining the sweetness and crispness of its parents. The lineage is well-documented and recognized by international apple registries.

Conservation Status

Pacific Rose is a common, commercially available apple and is not considered rare or endangered. No special conservation measures are required, and it remains widely grown and distributed.

Notable Varieties

While Pacific Rose is a distinct cultivar, it shares its breeding heritage with other notable New Zealand apples such as Gala and Splendour. In the broader context, famous dessert apples include Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady, each known for their unique flavor and texture profiles.

Seasonal Availability

Pacific Rose ripens in late autumn and is typically harvested from late April to May in New Zealand, or late September to October in the Northern Hemisphere. Its good storage qualities mean it remains available in markets through the winter months.

Faq

  • Is Pacific Rose good for baking?
    Pacific Rose is best enjoyed fresh; its low acidity and sweet flavor are not ideal for baking.
  • Where is Pacific Rose grown?
    Major growing regions include New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay and Washington State in the USA.
  • What makes Pacific Rose unique?
    Its combination of crisp texture, sweet flavor, and attractive pink-red skin set it apart from other dessert apples.

Health And Nutrition

Like other apples, Pacific Rose is a nutritious snack, providing dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Its sweet flavor encourages fresh consumption, supporting healthy eating habits. Apples are low in calories and contain no fat or cholesterol, making them a wholesome choice for most diets.