20 Apple Varieties You Should Seek Out This Fall
You only can name five varieties of apples? This is not your fault. After all, supermarkets don't usually go beyond McIntosh and Granny Smith. In reality, the world of apples is actually quite complex — so complex we'd suggest reading our story 10 Things You Didn't Know About Apples. But if you'd like an apple cheat sheet to get you started, look no further.
1. Arkansas Black
The first identifier is its deep shade of red. Originally grown in Arkansas (if that isn't obvious), this juicy fruit is great for long-term storage, but the texture might be way too hard to enjoy. Mid to late October is its prime season.
2. Ben Davis
Once widely available, now very rare, the Davis is still grown in Oak Glen, California and Cumberland, Maine. Granular, coarsely textured and mealy.
3. Catshead
Green and acidic, this apple looks...like no other apple. From September to January, catshead will be ready to eat. Outside of that, it's much too sour.
4. Discovery
Smooth and sweet, Discovery awards a firm texture. Under the skin the flesh is pink-tinged, but the color will disappear if put in fridge.
5. Fuji
As a second generation American apple born in Japan, Fuji's parents are Red Delicious and Ralls Janet. Now, Fuji is one of the most popular apples in the world — crisp, sweet and super modern.
6. Gala
One of the nicest apples around: good to eat fresh or cook. Usually it's very sweet and has thin skin, so ideal for kids. In-season from October to January.
7. Golden Delicious
Surprisingly, not related to Red Delicious. It has a long harvest period: through autumn to deep winter. Sweet or acidic; either way, the flesh is always silky.
8. Granny Smith
Which apple is in season after Christmas? This one. Sweeter than many green apples, Granny Smith is ripe through spring.
9. Irish Peach
Juicy with a strong flavor, the skin feels a little greasy. It has roots in Ireland in the beginning of 19th century, and is now harvested in early to mid August.
10. Jazz
A new member to the apple family, developed in New Zealand in the 1980s. Dense and crunchy, it has sweet but well-balanced flavor.
11. Kanzi
Very juicy and quite sharp on first bite, but it gets better with time. It has a tough skin like most supermarket apples. But you'll be lucky to find in a supermarket, as it's mostly found in Holland.
12. King George V
This apple is in season January onward. Its sweetness and crispiness earned it its regal name.
13. Lemoen
This is not a typo. The Lemoen apple does have a lemony acid taste, but it's very pleasant and refreshing.
14. Mother
First recorded in 1844 in Bolton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. Creamy white with a green tinge, juicy and sweet.
15. Pink Lady
Pink Lady apples are unapologetically sharp, crisp, juicy — everything but subtle. She can be picked from October to November.
16. Red Delicious
Its season runs from mid to late September, the texture is soft and air-like; usually the skin's bitterness is pronounced.
17. Rhode Island Greening
Harvested in late September, Rhode Island Greening is on the acidic side. Tender, crisp, juicy and quite tart, similar to Granny Smith.
18. Spartan
Sweet and good for juice, Spartans can be picked from November to mid-February. You won't miss the dark red color in the trees.
19. Sweet Caroline
Crisp, green tinge in September, already sweet in September although not ripe. In season from October to December.
20. Winter Banana
Probably got this name from the color under the skin: it varies from creamy white to yellow. Very juicy — definitely juicer than bananas — and harvested from December to March.
Try out these apple recipes on Food Republic: