Whether you prefer your apples crisp and sweet, tart and tangy, or perfect for baking, there's an apple variety for every taste and culinary purpose.
With over 100 apple varieties available in the U.S., it can be challenging to decide which one to choose.
Here's a guide to help you navigate the world of apples.
Popular Apple Varieties and Their Uses
Apples come in all shapes, colors, and flavors. Let's explore some of the most popular varieties and their best uses.
Ambrosia
Taste and Appearance: Smooth yellow-pink skin with a floral aroma and a hint of honey.
Availability: Fall through winter.
Use: Ideal for snacks, salads, and baking.
Braeburn
Taste and Appearance: Crisp, juicy, with a spicy-sweet flavor; orange to red skin over a yellow background.
Availability: October through July.
Use: A versatile apple great for snacking, baking, and cooking.
Cameo
Taste and Appearance: Bright red stripes on an orange background; lemony sweetness.
Availability: Late fall through early spring.
Use: A firm apple perfect for snacking.
Cortland
Taste and Appearance: Tart, tender, and slow to brown; yellow-green skin with red and bluish accents.
Availability: Fall through early winter.
Use: Excellent for salads and snacks.
Fuji
Taste and Appearance: Bi-colored, yellow, and red stripes; exceptionally sweet and firm.
Availability: Year-round, starting in September.
Use: A top choice for snacking and baking.
Granny Smith
Taste and Appearance: Bright green skin with a potential red blush; distinctly tart.
Availability: Year-round, starting in August.
Use: Great for pies, sauces, and snacking.
Honeycrisp
Taste and Appearance: Mottled red skin over yellow; sweet, mild flavor with explosive crispness.
Availability: September through early winter.
Use: Fantastic for snacking, salads, and making sauces.
Gala
Taste and Appearance: Cream to red-and-yellow striped skin; crisp, juicy, and very sweet.
Availability: Year-round, starting in mid-July.
Use: Perfect for snacking.
Golden Delicious
Taste and Appearance: Yellow skin with a pink blush; mild, buttery flavor.
Availability: Year-round.
Use: Ideal for pies and crisps, especially when paired with tart apples.
Jonagold
Taste and Appearance: Honey-tart flavor; yellow-green skin with a red-orange blush.
Availability: October through July.
Use: Excellent for fresh eating and cooking.
Choosing the Right Apple
For Snacking: Ambrosia, Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp are top picks for their sweet and crisp qualities.
For Baking: Granny Smith, Jonagold, and Golden Delicious offer the best flavor and texture for pies and crisps.
For Salads: Cortland and Honeycrisp are excellent choices because they stay crisp and don't brown quickly.
For Sauces: Paula Red and McIntosh cook down beautifully for smooth, flavorful sauces.
With so many varieties to choose from, there's an apple for every palate and purpose. Whether you're crafting a pie, preparing a salad, or simply enjoying a fresh snack, understanding the unique characteristics of each variety can elevate your apple experience.
