Yes. the Italian patented this variety as Kiku, which was a sport of a Fuji apple. I bought a bag a few years ago and it was real sweet and crunchy. I planted a seed for fun but apple never grow true from a seed.

Tony

hmmm...maybe there is something to this after all? Does anyone sell kiku trees?

I've had Kiku several times. They weren't the best Fuji's I've had. Its possible that they are on average better than other sports of Fuji, but variation within a given sport seems bigger than the difference between this sport and others.

I think Kiku is a club contract apple so I don't think the trees are sold retail.

We just started displaying them in the supermarket in which I work- they went in this morning. Never seen 'em before and haven't cut one open yet. They're three bucks a pound.

"Sweet" isn't the first thing I look for in an apple, so I don't care too much. We also have Ambrosia and Opal new this year- don't know what to make of all the new varieties.