Imagine biting into a crisp, juicy apple, only to be surprised by a sensation that feels eerily similar to sipping on a fizzy soda.
It might sound like something straight out of a science fiction novel, but it’s a reality coming soon to grocery store shelves: the Paradis Sparkling apple.
Created by Swiss fruit company Lubera, this innovative apple variety is making waves in the world of agriculture and gastronomy alike.
If you’re intrigued, here’s what you need to know about this effervescent new fruit—and how you can grow your own tree at home.
This isn’t just another apple variety.
The Paradis Sparkling apple is designed to fizz when you eat it—a sensation that’s like having a carbonated beverage and a fruit in one bite.
What’s even more exciting?
You don’t have to wait long to experience it.
While the apples won’t be available in stores until next year, you can already buy a sapling to start growing your own sparkling apple tree now.
In this article, we’ll explore how Lubera has managed to craft this unusual variety, the challenges they’ve faced, and how you can get your hands on your very own fizzing apple tree.
How the Paradis Sparkling Apple Was Born
The journey to creating the Paradis Sparkling apple began back in 2006, when Robert Maierhofer, the production manager at Lubera, stumbled upon a unique apple tree in his orchard.
The tree was a hybrid of two existing apple varieties—Resi, a sweet-tasting variety from East Germany, and Pirouette, a variety with more tangy characteristics.
This accidental crossbred tree caught Maierhofer’s eye, but not for the usual reasons.
Maierhofer was initially turned off by the appearance of the apples—it wasn’t a pretty fruit.
The apples looked “ugly” by typical standards, which might have led most to dismiss them.
But Maierhofer’s curiosity led him to taste one anyway, and the result was nothing short of astonishing.
As he bit into the fruit, Maierhofer was struck by the burst of juice that exploded in his mouth.
It wasn’t just the sweetness or sourness that stood out; it was the texture, the sensation of effervescence that resembled drinking a soft drink.
He knew he had found something special.
According to Maierhofer, the magic behind the Paradis Sparkling apple lies in the unique cellular structure of the fruit.
The cells are large, and the walls of these cells are incredibly firm, creating a kind of “explosion” of juice when you bite into it.
This fizzing, juicy experience is something that has never been seen before in apples, and it’s what makes the Paradis Sparkling variety truly unique.
Why Does This Apple Fizz?
You might be wondering—why does this apple fizz in the first place?
The effervescent sensation comes from the special combination of large cells and firm cell walls.
When you bite into the Paradis Sparkling apple, the firm walls allow the juice to be released in a way that’s more intense and lively than with other apples.
Think about it like this: it’s almost as if the fruit is a miniature carbonated beverage inside.
The natural compounds in the apple—such as sugars, acids, and water content—combine with the structure of the fruit to create that burst of effervescence.
The result is an apple that offers more than just sweetness and tartness—it brings a tactile experience that’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted in an apple.
While this innovation might remind you of carbonated fruit drinks or flavored sparkling waters, the Paradis Sparkling apple is still 100% natural.
No artificial carbonation or added flavors are involved—just the magic of nature at work.
The Challenges of Growing the Paradis Sparkling Apple
While the Paradis Sparkling apple’s unique fizz makes it exciting, there are still significant hurdles that need to be addressed before it can take off commercially.
The most notable challenge is its irregular growth patterns.
Unlike other apple varieties that grow in a predictable, standardized way, the Paradis Sparkling apples have a tendency to vary significantly in size and color.
This makes them less than ideal for mass-market distribution, where uniformity is key.
While the fruit may be revolutionary in terms of taste and texture, its inconsistent appearance could make it difficult for supermarkets and grocery stores to embrace it.
Maierhofer himself acknowledges that the fruit is unlikely to become a mainstream commercial product in the way that Red Delicious or Fuji apples have.
Instead, he envisions the Paradis Sparkling apple as something for individuals who want to experiment with something new—gardeners and orchard enthusiasts who can grow these apples in their own backyards.
Still, despite these challenges, Maierhofer and his team are determined to bring the Paradis Sparkling apple to the world.
They’re already selling sapling trees for around £34 ($55), allowing people to start cultivating their own trees now, before the apples hit European markets in early next year.
A Unique Experience for Home Growers
So, if you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply someone who loves trying new and unusual varieties of fruit, you might want to get your hands on a Paradis Sparkling sapling.
Lubera’s innovative apple isn’t just a novelty—it’s a chance to be part of the development of a new fruit that could change the way we think about apples.
Imagine serving fizzy apples at a dinner party or offering them as a unique gift to family and friends.
Growing a Paradis Sparkling apple tree isn’t just about producing a new kind of fruit; it’s about experiencing something that feels a bit magical.
You can become part of the excitement around this new variety and share in the pleasure of watching it grow in your own garden.
The Future of the Paradis Sparkling Apple
Looking ahead, the Paradis Sparkling apple could revolutionize not just the apple industry but the way we think about fruit.
If successful, this variety could be the first of many new fruit breeds with unexpected and delightful properties.
Imagine apples that taste like a blend of lemonade or pears that burst with flavor when bitten into.
The possibilities are endless for what could come next.
Lubera’s innovation is part of a broader trend of agricultural experimentation aimed at creating fruits that surprise, delight, and bring something new to the table.
As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fruit breeding, who knows what other types of fruits could be developed to provide unique, sensory experiences for our taste buds.
And let’s not forget the growing popularity of home gardening. In an era when people are increasingly interested in growing their own food, the Paradis Sparkling apple offers a chance for anyone to cultivate something truly special in their own backyard.
A Fizzy Fruit for the Future
The Paradis Sparkling apple is more than just a quirky, effervescent fruit—it’s a symbol of innovation in the world of agriculture.
While there are challenges to overcome in terms of its marketability, the excitement and intrigue surrounding the apple are undeniable.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a sapling, you could soon be growing a variety of apple that’s set to make waves in both the culinary and gardening worlds.
And if you’re not ready to plant a tree just yet, rest assured that the Paradis Sparkling apple will be available in stores starting next year, ready to offer a new kind of fruity experience.
The future of apples is here—and it’s fizzy, fun, and full of potential.
