Sansa' as Morioka No. 42 was introduced into New Zealand in 1981 and released from quarantine in 1983. Budwood is limited but over 1000 buds were taken in 1995 and 8500 buds this season. The background colour pales just before harvest giving the red overcolour its bright appearance. Some russet occurs around the stem region. Flesh colour is green-white.
Fresh fruit has firm but tender flesh which is juicy and particularly sweet for the season.
The overall eating quality is very good. Tree-ripened fruit are of superb quality in early February. Sansa' has excellent potential as a fresh market apple available 2 weeks before 'Gala'. Trees are of medium vigour. Cropping has tended to be light on young trees, which may be a result of late flowering.