Rose Apples for Delivery or Pickup

Despite their name, Rose apples aren't really apples at all. They are a distinct type of fruit that bears very little resemblance to their namesake. Rose apples are egg-shaped fruits around 1-11/2 inches long and between 1-2 inches wide. They have smooth, waxy skin that can be green, red, pink, white, or purple. Underneath the thin skin is a white spongy flesh that's a bit dry. In the center of the Rose apple is a hollow cavity that holds anywhere from one to four seeds.

This tropical fruit has a slightly sweet flavor and distinctive floral aroma that offers a hint of rose in the taste, hence its name. Rose apples are also known as Wax apples, Water apples, Cloud apples, and Malay apples. 

Rose apples are high in dietary fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. They contain iron, potassium, calcium, niacin, thiamin, and sulfur as well. Rose apples may aid digestion, lower blood pressure, and keep blood sugar levels under control. Though this is a relatively rare fruit that has not been researched thoroughly, its nutritional profile makes it a relatively healthy choice to add to your diet.

Look for Rose apples that are firm to the touch and have a nice, crisp texture, which is essential with this fruit. When the Rose apple is perfectly ripe, the seeds inside detach from the flesh and rattle around. Thus, you know a Rose apple is ready to eat when you can hear this rattle. However, you may want to purchase Rose apples before they reach this point of ripeness if you're not planning to consume them the same day. If you want Rose apples to enjoy in the next day or two, you should choose those that aren't yet ripe.

Rose apples spoil very quickly, so you shouldn't purchase more than you can eat in a short period of time. Fortunately, it's easy to pick up more Rose apples without leaving the house. Thanks to Instacart, you can place an order online or through the mobile app and enjoy same-day delivery in as little as 2 hours after purchase!

You can enjoy Rose apples both raw and cooked. The simplest way to sink your teeth into a Rose apple is to eat it like you would an ordinary apple. Just wash it off and take a bite, being careful not to eat the seeds. You can also slice Rose apples and use them in salads. Spinach lends itself well to fruit salads, particularly when combined with goat cheese and walnuts.

You can use Rose apples to make jams and jellies on their own or with other fruits. They pair well with mango, papaya, and guava. A sprinkling of cinnamon sugar brings out the flavor in Rose apples very well. In Jamaica, they're often served raw with cinnamon sugar on top as a dessert. 

The mild flavor of Rose apples can go well in savory dishes as well. You can lightly stir fry Rose apples and serve them with poultry or seafood. Chile peppers, soy sauce, garlic, and tomatoes enhance the flavor of the Rose apple in savory applications.