Made with 100% Fully Ripened Aomori Apples
The philosophy behind this apple pie is simple: sometimes the most basic and uncomplicated recipe is the most delicious. The farm uses 100% fully ripened Aomori-grown apples, allowing the natural sweetness, tartness, aroma, and texture of Kogyoku apples to take center stage.
The deep-red Kogyoku apples grown at the farm are carefully sautéed to bring out their naturally sweet-and-tart flavor. Immediately after harvesting, the apples are stored in a temperature-controlled facility at near-freezing temperatures. This careful storage helps preserve their freshness, allowing the farm to use flavorful Kogyoku apples throughout the year.
Two Styles of Kogyoku Apple Pie
Classic Plain Apple Pie
The Plain version is baked without cinnamon so that you can fully appreciate the natural flavor and aroma of the Kogyoku apples. Its simple recipe allows the character of the fruit to shine, with a combination of juicy, crisp apple texture and refreshing sweetness and tartness.
Almond Caramelized Apple Pie
The Almond Caramelized version adds another layer of flavor and texture. Fresh caramel is spread across the bottom of the pastry and topped with crushed almonds before baking.
The result is a delicious contrast between the juicy, sweet-and-tart Kogyoku apples and the fragrant, crisp texture of caramelized almonds. It is an appealing choice for those who enjoy a richer and more textured apple pie.
A Taste to Look for in Hirosaki
Hirosaki is one of Japan’s best-known apple-growing areas, and this apple pie offers a delicious way to experience the region’s apple culture. Made by an actual apple farm using its own carefully grown fruit, Kogyoku Apple Pie captures the natural appeal of Aomori apples in a simple and satisfying dessert.
If you visit Hirosaki, this locally made apple pie is a specialty worth seeking out, especially if you want to taste the distinctive sweet-and-tart character of Kogyoku apples.