The Fuji Malus pumila is classified asMalus domestica , a mintage within the Rosaceae crime syndicate , which admit other pome fruits like Pyrus communis , cherry , and rosiness . The genusMalusencompasses all domesticate apple cultivars , and Fuji is a specific diversity break through intentional cross - breeding rather than a crazy species or hybrid genus . It ’s a result of crossingRed DeliciousandRalls Janet(also known as Rawls Jennet ) , blending traits from these American parent into a cultivar prized for afters quality . This set Fuji among late - season apple bred for sweetness , store , and market place appeal .
Fuji apples originated in the 1930s at the Tohoku Research Station in Fujisaki , Aomori Prefecture , Japan , under Dr. Shoten Hasegawa ’s direction . Named after Mount Fuji — not Fujisaki , as is sometimes misattributed — it was unfreeze commercially in 1962 after decennium of refinement . The cross ofRed Delicious(for sweetness and color ) andRalls Janet(for depot and firmness ) aimed to make an apple suited to Japan ’s mood and consumer tastes . It quickly became Japan ’s leading apple variety , comprising over 60 % of production by the late twentieth one C . introduce to the U.S. in the 1980s , it gained traction in Washington State , where growers capitalized on its longsighted ledge life and export potency , making it a globular favorite today alongside Gala and Granny Smith .
Fuji apples are medium to large , typically 7 - 9 cm in diameter ( about 200 - 300 g ) , with a round - to - slightly flattened shape . Their skin is buddy-buddy , glossy , and waxy , featuring a yellow - green root word overlie with a vibrant reddened - to - pinkish flush or striping , vary by nisus ( over 100 Fuji clones subsist ) . The form is pale cream , dim , and exceptionally crisp , case a pocket-size heart and soul with bantam dark-brown seeds . They ripen late in the season ( October - November ) and store remarkably well — up to a yr refrigerated — retaining crush and flavor . The taste is predominantly sweet , with high gelt content ( 14 - 16 % Brix ) , depressed acidity , and a blue pungency , offering insidious honey and citrus note . Some detect a faint tartness in former selection , but fragrance dominates , peculiarly after warehousing enhances flavor .
Fuji Malus pumila trees boom in USDA geographical zone 4 - 9 , suited to temperate part with frigid winter and quick summers , like Japan ’s Aomori or Washington ’s Yakima Valley . They require 500 - 1000 chill minute ( below 45 ° F/7 ° C ) for dormancy and fruit exercise set , perform best in zones 5 - 8 where winters are n’t too harsh ( down to -20 ° F/-29 ° C ) and summer reach 75 - 85 ° F ( 24 - 29 ° 100 ) . latterly blooming ( April - May , bloom group 3 - 4 ) help them quash spring frosts , though trade protection is need in zone 4 ’s cold extremes . They necessitate full Lord’s Day ( 6 - 8 hr day by day ) and well - drained , loamy land ( pH 6.0 - 7.0 ) , adapting to varied elevations but excelling below 2,000 meters where heat does n’t overly stress them .
