This is the Agripark Tsugaru Juku Apple Pie Aka~iringo, made with Aka~iringo, rare apples from Goshogawara known for their vibrant red flesh and pronounced sourness.
The pie featured layers of buttery laminated pastry encasing a generous, red-hued filling of Aka~iringo apples. The pastry’s exterior was designed to resemble a patchwork quilt, with a stitched border surrounding a heart-shaped cutout that revealed the apple filling beneath.
When reheated in the oven at 160ºC for 3 minutes, as recommended on the packaging, the pastry emerged crisp and flaky, with tender, buttery layers that were both savoury and satisfying. The filling, generously portioned, delivered a bold tartness with a rich apple flavour and light cinnamon notes. However, the apple slices had cooked down to a soft texture, reminiscent of the mealy nature of the fruit itself, with some remaining chunks. This texture felt somewhat disconnected from the pastry, creating the impression of two separate elements rather than a cohesive pie. A firmer, crunchier apple might have complemented the pastry better in this format. Alternatively, the Aka~iringo could have been transformed into a smooth purée for a tart, highlighting its vivid colour and tartness while mitigating its softer texture.
This Agripark Tsugaru Juku Apple Pie Aka~i Ringo contained 110 g or one serving. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Goshogawara, Japan in 2024.