Cameo apples are making a “cameo” in our apple spotlight today! This relatively new apple variety appears similar in shape to Red Delicious (its suspected parent) yet without the deep red coloration. With a fairly bland flavor, Cameo apples are revered by those who don’t like too much of a sharp tangy bite to their apples.
This mid to late-season apple can be stored year-round for culinary use, great for a wide variety of preparations, particularly baked recipes.
All About Cameo Apples
This medium to large varietal features a round to conical shape that tapers slightly toward a flat base. With a slender stem, the skin of the Cameo apple is thick, smooth, and tough with a matte appearance. Featuring a pale yellow-green base, Cameo apples sport a broken red striping; some have yellow lenticels (small, spongy spores on the stem) while others are entirely covered in a red flush.
Firm and crisp, Cameo apples are aromatic and have a fairly balanced ratio of sugar to acid. Their subtly tart flavor makes them a great pairing with honey, pears, and citrus. These bi-colored apples were discovered in the late 20th century as a chance seedling in Washington.
What Are Cameo Apples Good For?
Specialty Produce showcases many uses for Cameo apples, including for both fresh and cooked preparations. Because the flesh is slow to oxidize, they are especially good for use in salads, parfaits, and grain bowls. Cameo apples are also good for:
- Cheese boards
- Layered into sandwiches
- Fresh topping over pancakes and waffles
- Dipped in chocolate and nut butter
- Sweet and savory cooked dishes
- Apple sauce
- Chopped and cooked into stuffing, quiche, and polenta
- Pizza topping
- Sauteed with spices, served with roasted meats
- Filling for cobblers, crisps, cakes, pies, doughnuts, and tarts
- Stuffed with nuts and baked
- Carmelized over ice cream
If you’re looking to incorporate Cameo apples into your main dishes, keep in mind they pair well with cheeses such as ricotta, brie, goat, and cheddar, as well as herbs such as rosemary, parsley, mint, and basil. Cameo apples add a touch of sweetness to squash, pears, and meats including beef, pork, turkey, and chicken. Keep whole Cameo apples in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to a month.
With its sweet, mildly tangy flavor, you’re sure to love the versatility of the Cameo apple.
