Apples 101

There are over 3,000 varieties of apples…ranging from tart to super-sweet…in a beautiful array of colors as well.  In 2002 the average US consumer ate about 16 pounds of fresh apples, and 26.4 pounds of processed apples, for making a total of 42.2 pounds of fresh apples and processed apple products consumed!

Archeologists have found evidence that humans have been enjoying apples since at least 6500 B.C.  I am not surprised by this at all…apples are just about the most perfect fruit that I can think of…lots of variety, durable, and so many different ways to enjoy!

I’ve compiled a list of the most popular varieties with added info about how to use them but this is far from a complete list. If I’ve missed your favorite, please let me know and give me the details about it and I’ll be glad to add it to this list!

Apple                                      Characteristics                                   Best Used For

Arkansas Black                        Crisp and juicy                                   Eating/sauces

Baldwin                                    Crisp and juicy                                   Baking/eating

Braeburn                                  Crisp, sweet/tart                                Eating/sauce/pies

Bramley                                    Sweet and tangy                                 Baking/sauces

Cortland                               Fragrant and tangy                           Salads/baking/sauces/eating

Empire                                      Super crispy, sweet, juicy                   Eating/salads

Fuji                                           Sweet and juicy                                   Eating

Gala                                          Crisp, fragrant, slightly tart                 Eating/baking/sauces

Golden Delicious                   Juicy and sweet                              Sauces/baking/salads/eating

Granny Smith                             Tart and crisp                                     Baking/eating

Gravenstein                               Crisp and tart                                      Baking/sauces

Idared                                        Juicy, fragrant, and tart                       Baking

Jonagold                                    Tart, juicy, and crisp                           Eating/Baking

Jonathan                                    Crisp and juicy                                    Eating/sauce/pies

Lady Apple                                 Juicy, very sweet                                 Eating/baking

Macoun                                      Firm, fragrant, flavorful                      Eating/baking

McIntosh                                    Tart, juicy, spicy, soft                         Eating/sauces

Mutsu                                         Crisp and juicy                                    Eating

Northern Spy                               Very flavorful and firm                       Baking/eating

Red Delicious                              Crisp and mildly tart                          Eating

Rome Beauty                                Slightly tart and firm                         Baking

Spartan                                        Slightly sweet and slightly tart          Eating

Winesap                                       Sweet and juicy                                 Eating and sauces

So…what is your favorite apple?  Did I miss it or is it on the list?  My family loves Fuji apples the best for great fall eating.  My favorite baking apple is Idared.