Types of Apples
What are the most popular types of apples? The answer to this question depends greatly on who you ask and whether they are referring to table, cooking, or cider varieties of apples. For instance, many people immediately think of McIntosh when asked about an ordinary table apple, but what about Red Delicious? And if we’re talking about cooking or cider varieties, then Baldwin (for cooking) and Winesap (for cider) come to mind first and foremost. So, how many types of apples are there in total? And which one(s) reign supreme among different groups of people? Keep reading to find out…
Everyone Can Enjoy an Apple
Apples are a go-to fruit for many people. They are healthy, and they taste great! There are many different types of apples, each with its distinctive flavor. Some apples taste tart and sour, while others might be sweeter and more flavorful. For example, Granny Smith apples are good for baking because they will hold their shape, but some might find them too sour to eat raw.
Red Delicious
The Red Delicious apple was first developed in 1881 by horticulturist Jesse Hiatt. It is typically juicy and sweet, with red skin and white flesh. The Red Delicious is an excellent choice for baking because it holds its shape well when cooked. It is also great for eating fresh and adding to salads.
McIntosh
The McIntosh apple is a popular and versatile apple that is great for eating fresh or baking. It has light yellow skin and pink/red flesh. To make it, the apples need to be picked when they are ripe and can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Granny Smith
The Granny Smith is a green-skinned and yellow-fleshed apple grown in Australia since 1868. Granny Smith apples are sometimes called green apples because they can turn brown as they age. They have a taste similar to Golden Delicious apples but with a more tart flavor and crisper texture, which makes them ideal for salads, pies, sauces, and other desserts.
Gala
If you’re looking for a sweet apple, the Gala is a good choice. They are crisp and juicy with a balance between sweet and tart. It’s an excellent choice for making apple sauce or fresh eating. The Gala season starts in September and ends in late October. When choosing this type of apple, it’s essential to look at how heavy it feels. Generally, the richer they are, the better they taste.
Jonagold
The Jonagold apple has a sweet, slightly tart flavor. They are crisp and juicy with a rich flavor that is sweet but not too sweet. It is a popular variety for baking, desserts, and cooking. It is also great for eating fresh and can be used in salads or just as a snack on its own. There are many other apples, such as Fuji, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Rome.
Fuji
The Fuji apple is a sweet, juicy apple that is slightly tart. It is one of the most popular apples grown in the US and was first discovered in Japan. The texture is crisp, and the flavor is mildly sweet. These apples are best used for baking pies or just eating fresh. However, they are often picked when underripe because their sugar content isn’t high enough to make them overly sweet when ripe.
Braeburn
The Braeburn apple is lovely and juicy. This may be the perfect variety for you if you like eating apples but don’t like how dry they are. It’s also one of the most famous varieties for making applesauce or pies. Unfortunately, you may have to go to a specialty store or farmer’s market to find them because they’re not as common as other types of apples.
Empire
The Empire apple crosses the Golden Delicious and the Northern Spy. It can be found in most grocery stores because it is widely used for commercial purposes. When you buy an Empire apple, you will find that it is a yellowish-green color with thin stripes on its skin. You will also notice that the flesh has a pleasant odor when you cut into it. The flavor of this apple is not very tart but has just enough sweetness to make it enjoyable to eat.
