Apples are one of the most recognizable and widely eaten fruits in the world. Originating from different countries and cultures, apples offer a range of tastes, colors, and sizes for you to choose from, and some are even in season year-round. In the United States alone, over 100 varieties are grown commercially. Some of these boast significant differences in flavor, texture, and best uses, while others are slight regional variations that are very similar to their counterparts. To help you navigate the diverse world of apples, we've narrowed down our list to a handful of the most popular types so you know what you're looking for when you shop.
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1. Honeycrisp Apple
The Honeycrisp apple is a relatively young variety, not cultivated until the 1960s and not introduced to the market until the 1990s. Despite this, Honeycrisp apples quickly gained popularity in the agricultural and foodservice industries due to their classic appearance and versatile use in the kitchen. Known for its crisp texture and moderately sweet taste, the Honeycrisp apple is predominantly red with streaks of yellow and yellow-green hues mixed throughout, as well as a pale yellow interior. With a high water content, these apples are excellent for juicing. They can be used for baking, though their texture may soften more than other apple varieties during the baking process.
- Color: Red
- Origins: United States
- Size: Medium/large
- Harvested: Summer and fall
2. Fuji Apple
Originally cultivated in Japan in the 1930s, Fuji apples have since gained worldwide popularity and are now one of the most sought-after varieties of apples. These apples are typically pink in color with yellow-green specks, and their skin is thicker and waxier than other varieties. They are slightly oval-shaped, often with a lopsided appearance that leaves them uneven. When sliced open, Fuji apples reveal a crisp, juicy, white interior that is perfect for fruit salads. Known for their exceptional sweetness, Fuji apples are perfect for nearly any culinary use, including baking and making apple juice or juice blends.
- Color: Pink
- Origins: Japan
- Size: Large
- Harvested: Fall
3. Red Delicious Apple
Red Delicious apples are a classic choice for those seeking a quintessential red apple. Known for their deep, dark red color and pale yellow interior, their iconic appearance makes them a popular choice for fruit displays and garnishes. When it comes to consumption, Red Delicious apples are best enjoyed fresh. Their slightly sweet flavor profile and tender, crisp, and juicy texture make them an ideal snack option. Additionally, these apples can be sliced and incorporated into salads for a refreshing and flavorful twist.
- Color: Dark red
- Origins: United States
- Size: Medium
- Harvested: Late summer
4. Gala Apple
The Gala apple, cultivated in New Zealand, is a hybrid of the Kidd’s Orange Red and Golden Delicious apples. Visually, Gala apples are primarily reddish-orange, with blotches of yellow-green mixed throughout. These small apples have a thin skin that bruises easily, and once cut open, they'll reveal a pale yellow flesh and a juicy interior. In terms of texture, Gala apples are known for their crisp and firm bite, making them a favorite for snacking or inclusion in salads. They are mildly sweet, often giving fruity or floral undertones with hints of vanilla or pear.
- Color: Red and green
- Origins: New Zealand
- Size: Small
- Harvested: Late summer
5. Pink Lady Apple
Pink Lady apples, also known as Cripps Pink apples, have a light red, slightly pink color that may have hints of green mixed in. This unique appearance is a result of crossing a Lady Williams apple with a Golden Delicious, the combination of which gives Pink Lady apples a tart but mildly sweet flavor profile. One of the defining characteristics of Pink Lady apples is their firm, crisp texture. These apples are particularly popular for snacking or eating raw. Additionally, Pink Lady apples are well-suited for baking, as their texture holds up well when cooked, and are commonly used to make flavorful applesauce.
- Color: Light red/pink
- Origins: Australia
- Size: Medium/large
- Harvested: Fall
6. McIntosh Apple
Recognized by their dark red color with streaks of light green and a pale white interior, McIntosh apples have a thick, chewy skin and a smooth, matte texture. When you take a bite into a McIntosh apple, you'll experience a slight crunch followed by a burst of sweetness with a hint of acidity and tartness. Thanks to their easy-to-peel skin, these apples are especially favored for baking and dessert-making. Their balance of sweetness and tartness adds depth to pies, crisps, and other sweet treats, and they are often used for applesauce or apple cider.
- Color: Red and green
- Origins: Canada
- Size: Small
- Harvested: Late summer/early fall
7. Granny Smith Apple
Granny Smith apples are easily recognizable by their distinct light green skin, sometimes featuring streaks of yellow, and their crisp white interior. First cultivated by Maria Ann Smith and her husband in Australia during the 19th century, Granny Smith apples have become a staple in kitchens across the globe. They boast a tart, acidic flavor profile with a touch of sweetness, and are especially juicy while still providing a satisfying crunch when you take a bite. Their skin is chewy and thick, and their flavor profile makes them ideal for use in baked goods like pies or crisps, as well as in salads and juices. Some people even use them to make caramel apples.
- Color: Green
- Origins: Australia
- Size: Medium
- Harvested: Late summer/early fall
8. Golden Delicious Apple
Golden Delicious apples are a popular choice in the culinary world, known for their vibrant yellow-green color and subtle ribbed appearance, though in some cases they can display patches of pale red blush. These apples boast a smooth, thin skin that is easy to peel and will bruise easily, making them a convenient option for baking, cooking, and snacking. Their firm interior features a pale white flesh, which stands out when sliced. With a mildly sweet flavor profile, featuring a balance of sugar and acidity, coupled with a slightly crisp texture and a hint of aromatic floral notes, these apples add a subtly balanced complexity to your fruit selection.
- Color: Yellow
- Origins: United States
- Size: Medium/large
- Harvested: Late summer/early fall
9. Empire Apple
As their name suggests, Empire apples originated in New York state, the Empire state. They were first cultivated in 1945 as a cross between the McIntosh and Red Delicious apple varieties and are known for their deep red color, often with a slight green blush, and their bright white flesh inside. The Empire apple offers a balance of sweetness and a crisp texture, making it a versatile choice for varying culinary applications, including baking and snacking. Generally, Empire apples are medium-sized and have a round, mildly flattened shape, making them easy to handle or cut.
- Color: Dark red
- Origins: New York
- Size: Medium
- Harvested: Late summer/early fall
10. Cox's Orange Apple
The Cox's Orange apple, also known as the Cox's Orange Pippin or simply the Cox apple, is a medium-sized apple with a rich history. It dates back to 19th century England, where horticulturist Richard Cox is credited with its discovery. Cox's Orange apples are easily distinguished by their vibrant orange-red color and rich, aromatic flavor profile. Enthusiasts note a hint of tanginess that adds depth to the taste. Some even describe the flavor as having hints of melon, mango, pear, or citrus. Due to this, Cox's Orange apples are a popular choice for use in desserts such as pies and cakes.
- Color: Orange-red
- Origins: England
- Size: Medium
- Harvested: Late summer/early fall
How to Use Apples In the Kitchen
Apples have countless uses in the kitchen, and it’s important to know what the best ones to use are depending on what you’re making. We’ll answer some of the most common questions about apples below.
Best Apple for Apple Crisp
The best apple for apple crisp largely depends on the kind of flavor profile you are aiming for. If you prefer a sweeter taste, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are excellent choices. On the other hand, if you are looking to add a hint of tartness to your dessert, Granny Smith apples are ideal.
Best Apple for Apple Pie
While there are various apples you can use, Granny Smith apples are generally considered the best option for apple pie. Their unique blend of tartness and firmness makes them an ideal choice for achieving the perfect consistency and flavor.
Best Apple for Apple Butter
Apple butter is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch treat, and to ensure the best results, opt for apples that are naturally sweet, such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples.
Best Apple for Applesauce
Two popular varieties that are highly recommended for creating the perfect applesauce are Golden Delicious and Fuji apples. These apples are favored for their exceptional flavor profile and texture, making them ideal for cooking down to a smooth consistency.
When it comes to choosing apples, the right one for your needs depends on how you'll be using it and what kinds of flavors you're looking for. Whether you're putting together extravagant fruit trays, baking homestyle apple pies, or serving fruit on the side with breakfast, there is a type of apple that will fit your needs.
