View source for Biology:Hokuto (apple)

{{Short description|Variety of apple}}
{{Infobox cultivar
| name            = ''[[Biology:Malus domestica|Malus domestica]]'', '''Hokuto'''
| image           =
| caption         =
| genus           = ''[[Biology:Malus|Malus]]''
| species         = ''[[Biology:Malus domestica|M. domestica]]''
| hybrid          = [[Biology:Fuji (apple)|Fuji]] × [[Biology:Mutsu (apple)|Mutsu]]
| origin          = Aomori Apple Experiment Station, Aomori Prefecture, {{wipe|Japan}}, 1983
}}
'''The Hokuto apple''' ({{lang-ja|北斗}}) is a variety of [[Biology:Apple|apple]] that originated in Aomori, {{wipe|Japan}}. It was first introduced in 1983 as a cross between the [[Biology:Fuji (apple)|Fuji]] and [[Biology:Mutsu (apple)|Mutsu]] varieties.<ref name="TasteAtlas">TasteAtlas. "Hokuto Apples | Local Apple From Aomori Prefecture, Japan." TasteAtlas, https://www.tasteatlas.com/hokuto-apples.</ref> The Hokuto apple is known for its large size and has even been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's heaviest apple.<ref name="SaltSpring">Salt Spring Apple Company Ltd. "Hokuto." Salt Spring Apple Company Ltd, https://www.saltspringapplecompany.com/hokuto.</ref> Besides its size, the Hokuto apple is known for its crisp texture and sweet flavor.

==History==
The Hokuto apple was developed at the Aomori Apple Experiment Station in Japan in 1983.<ref name="SaltSpring"/> It was created by crossing the Fuji and Mutsu apple varieties, resulting in an apple that combined the crisp texture of the Fuji with the large size and round shape of the Mutsu, as well as the sweetness of both.<ref name="SaltSpring"/>

==Characteristics==
The Hokuto apple is large and round, with a red color.<ref name="TasteAtlas"/> Its flesh is pale yellow, crisp, and very sweet due to its high sugar content.<ref name="TasteAtlas"/> The Hokuto apple is typically available in late October and is mainly used for fresh eating as a snack.<ref name="TasteAtlas"/>

==Cultivation==
The Hokuto apple is mainly grown in {{wipe|Japan}}. However, it is also grown in other countries.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Apples|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:Japanese apples]]
[[Category:Apple cultivars]]

{{Sourceattribution|Hokuto (apple)}}