The world’s rarest apple: black diamond

The most expensive apple in the world comes from Tibet: we are talking about the Black Diamond, a black apple that can cost up to $21.

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Growing only in the Tibetan region of Nyingchi, at over 9,800 feet above sea level, Black Diamond is the rarest and most expensive apple variety in the world. In Chinese, it is referred to as “The Throne of the Sun.” Colors range from an intense shiny black to a deep purple. Its taste is not that different from any other apple, only a bit sweeter.

Not only its appearance but also the extreme conditions in which it grows and the long period of ripening make the Black Diamond truly special. All those factors make it very expensive, and the price may go as high as $21 per fruit.

A product of the himalayan altitudes

The Black Diamond comes from a variety called Hua Niu, already a family of apples that is well known for its rarity and great market value. Unlike other varieties, however, the Black Diamond is cultivated in a very particular environment: the orchards are located right at the shadow of the Himalayas, above 9,800 feet over sea level, where the climate is extremely harsh.

It is the dramatic temperature differences between day and night, together with the high ultraviolet exposure, that contribute to the skin being so dark and glossy. Despite the impressive appearance, the fruit flesh is white, sweet and slightly acid.

The price of rarity

The extreme rarity is certainly one of the reasons for its high price, but also the fact that it takes a long time to produce the first fruits. This type of tree takes eight years to bear apples, while other types take three to five years to reach this maturity stage. Considering the restrictive conditions in which these orchards grow, such as the fact that no pests exist at such a height above sea level, no pesticides are needed-a fact that makes the cultivation even more exclusive and natural.

At present, Black Diamond apples are mainly sold to the high-end supermarkets of China, which are usually packaged in six or eight fruits per box in gift packages. Due to the high price, Black Diamond apples have become a luxury and symbol of taste, even though the flavor is no different from that of other apples.

A luxury fruit with no nutritional differences

From a nutritional point of view, Black Diamond does not differ much from the apples with which we are more familiar. Its fiber content is comparable to that of other apples, the calorie count is similar, as are its nutrients.

Consumers will be more interested in the look and exclusivity of the product-the prestige of having tasted an apple that grew in the shadow of the Himalayan peaks functions as added value rather than just taste.