Natsumidori Kitakami X (Tsugaru X Iwai) cross Size: about 150g Harvest: from early August
	Iwai(American Summer Pearmain) Originated in America Of uncertain genetic origins Harvest: from mid August Also known as Dainaka. This variety is red, as shown at left, but is usually harvested while still green in mid August, just before the Bon season in Japan. About 20 years ago, these apples were commonly eaten with a sprinkling of salt (now that brings back a memory or two!).
	Raritan Developed at the New Jersey Experiment Station (Melba X Sonora) X [Melba X (Williams X Starr)] cross Size: 250-300g Harvest: from mid August
	Vista Bella Developed at the New Jersey Experiment Station {(Melba X Sonora) X [(Williams X Starr) X USDA34]} cross Size: 200-250g Harvest: from early August

The main apple season starts with the beginning of the Tsugaru apple harvest.

	Tsugaru Developed at the Aomori Apple Research Station Golden Delicious X Jonathan cross Size: 300-350g Harvest: from mid September A popular variety, familiar to all. Third in total production, behind the Fuji and Orin varieties. I am sure that I am not alone in thinking that these are the tastiest of the September varieties!
	Sansa Developed at the Tohoku Agricultural Experiment Station in Morioka Akane X Gala cross Size: 300-350g Harvest: from early September
	Kitanosachi Developed at the Aomori Apple Research Station Tsugaru X Iwai cross Size: 200-250g Harvest: from late August
	Akane Developed at the Tohoku Agricultural Experiment Station in Morioka Jonathan X Worcester Pearmain cross Size: 200-250g Harvest: from mid September

The largest harvest of apples is in October, as if to symbolize people's hearty autumn appetites.

Jonagold Developed at the New York Experiment Station Golden Delicious X Jonathan cross Size: about 300g Harvest: from mid October Particularly popular in the Kansai area of Japan, because of their delicious acidic taste.

Mutsu Developed at the Aomori Apple Research Station Golden Delicious X Indo cross Size: 400-600g Harvest: from late October Available grown either bagged or unbagged. Bagged apples are of choice quality and sold for use as gifts. The two types both look and taste very differently.

	Sekaiichi Developed at the Aomori Apple Research Station Delicious X Golden Delicious cross Size: 400-600g Harvest: from mid October A choice quality apple sold predominantly for gift use, although prices have come down from previous levels after the burst of the Japanese bubble economy. Going on aesthetics, it goes down as the king of the apple world.
	Delicious Originated in America Harvest: from mid October Available as a number of subvarieties, including the Starking Delicious, Red Delicious and Richard Delicious. Imported into Japan since the ban on apple imports was lifted in 1995, it is quite well known domestically as a result. However, Delicious apples had already lost favor as a domestic variety by this stage, and the imported apples have not been well received by consumers. (The subvariety shown in the photograph is the Starking Delicious.)
	Jonathan (Kougyoku) Originated in New York State, America C\oX�EXs`Fo�[O??? X other undetermined varieties Harvest: from mid October A variety produced in Japan since the early Meiji period. Until 1965, it was second only to the Ralls Janet in production. Currently it is an unknown best seller, and has retained its popularity predominantly because of its suitability for use in jams, juices and pies.
	Hokuto Developed at the Aomori Apple Research Station Fuji X Mutsu cross Harvest: from late October Probably the tastiest of all apples. However, it is difficult to grow, is prone to core rot (unharmful to humans), does not have good coloring, and the color fades easily. It is thus not seen commonly on the general market. Its production is limited to a handful of producers, and even then, the number of producers is dwindling.

These represent the last of the apple harvest. They also represent the beginning of the harvest of the Fuji, the major apple variety, and hence the busiest time of year for apple producers.

	Fuji Developed at the Tohoku Agricultural Experiment Station in Morioka Ralls Janet X Delicious cross Harvest: from early November People don't need to be told that this is the top variety in the apple industry. Its taste is loved by all, and despite being a domestic variety, it is produced throughout the world. Its name comes from its native Fujisaki, or was it Mt. Fuji, or even Fujiko Yamamoto (a former Japanese Miss Universe)?
	Orin Developed by Mr. Tadanosuke Otsuki of Kuori, Date-Gun, Fukushima prefecture Golden Delicious X Indian cross Harvest: from early November The best known yellow apple (although it can sometimes be green). Its delicate sweetness is popular with both young and old, men and women, but there are some people who mistakenly believe the Orin to be acidic. Orin apples are sweet!!
	Kinsei Developed by Mr. Hajime Sato of Hirosaki, Aomori prefecture Golden Delicious X Ralls Janet cross Harvest: from early November It is usually bright yellow, as shown in the photograph. However, if grown bagged, Kinsei apples develop pale white skins. Not commonly available.