Apples are a loved staple in kitchens around the world. Known for their versatility and delightful flavor, the world of pies and crisps to savory dishes and sauces wouldn't be the same without them. But many homecooks don't realize how dramatically the variety of apple you choose can influence the final outcome of the recipe.
In this guide, we'll explore ten apple varieties that shine in cooking and baking, complete with their origins, taste profiles, sweetness ratings, best uses, and even the parent varieties that contributed to their creation. Let’s dive in and celebrate the wonderful world of apples!
Granny Smith
Origins: Originated in Australia; a cross between the "French Crabapple" and a seedling apple.
Taste Profile: Tart and crisp
Sweetness Rating: 3/10
Best Uses:
We'll tell you a little secret, this is our team's favorite apple. Granny Smith apples are a staple in many kitchens, celebrated for their tartness. Their firm texture ensures they hold up well during baking. The Granny Smith is ideal for making apple pies, tarts, and crumbles. The tartness gives your pie an extra depth, so we always encourage using Granny Smith in full or at least in part for an excellent and classic pie. They're also excellent in salads, as their acidity provides a refreshing contrast. They make a wonderful addition to savory dishes like apple and cheddar soup.
Honeycrisp
Origins: Developed in Minnesota, USA; a cross between "Keepsake" and an unknown variety.
Taste Profile: Sweet with a hint of tartness, incredibly juicy
Sweetness Rating: 8/10
Best Uses:
Fantastic for crisps, cobblers, and salads. Honeycrisp apples are juicy which makes them perfect for sauces, like roasted pork with apple glaze. Honeycrisp apples are loved for their balanced flavor and crisp texture. Whether you’re baking a pie or making a refreshing salad, these apples bring a burst of flavor that enhances every dish. But be careful with doughs, because Honeycrisps are juicy, they may make your pie a little soggy.
Braeburn
Origins: Discovered in New Zealand; a cross between the "Granny Smith" and "Golden Delicious."
Taste Profile: Sweet and tart, with a hint of spice
Sweetness Rating: 7/10
Best Uses:
Great for baking in pies, cakes, and muffins. They’re also perfect for making spiced applesauce and can be used in savory dishes like apple and sausage stuffing. Braeburn apples add depth and complexity to your baked goods. They don't release a lot of water during baking, so it avoids getting your doughs soggy. Their unique flavor profile enhances everything from apple cakes to savory dishes, proving their versatility in the kitchen.
Fuji
Origins: Developed in Japan; a cross between "Red Delicious" and "Ralls Janet."
Taste Profile: Very sweet and crunchy
Sweetness Rating: 9/10
Best Uses:
This is our favorite apple for making Apple Butter. They're also excellent for making applesauce or eating fresh. They can also be used in baking for cakes or muffins where their sweetness shines. Fuji apples are like candy from the tree, adding natural sweetness to any dish. While they’re often enjoyed raw, they can really enhance baked desserts like apple muffins or galettes.
Jonagold
Origins: Developed in New York, USA; a cross between "Jonathan" and "Golden Delicious."
Taste Profile: Sweet with a touch of tartness
Sweetness Rating: 8/10
Best Uses:
This is a fabulous well-rounded apple. Perfect for making apple butter, pies, and tarts. Their sweetness complements spices in desserts, and they can also be used in savory dishes like apple-stuffed pork chops. Jonagold apples provide a lovely depth of flavor, making them a fantastic choice for fall baking. Their balanced sweetness and tartness make them versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.
McIntosh
Origins: Originated in Ontario, Canada; a seedling of "Duchess of Oldenburg."
Taste Profile: Soft, tangy, and aromatic
Sweetness Rating: 6/10
Best Uses:
This is our favorite apple for applesauce. They're sweet, but slightly tangy adding a nice depth for this breakfast treat. They're also great for pie filling, cider, crumbles and can be used to make apple pancakes. McIntosh apples are loved for their nostalgic flavor. When cooked, they yield a wonderfully fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen.
Cortland
Origins: Developed in New York, USA; a cross between "McIntosh" and "Ben Davis."
Taste Profile: Sweet-tart with a hint of floral notes
Sweetness Rating: 6/10
Best Uses:
Fantastic for pies, salads, and apple crisps. Cortland apples resist browning, making them a great choice for fresh dishes. Also delicious in savory recipes like apple and walnut salad. Cortland apples are a baker's friend, especially for those who love adding fresh apples to salads or pastries. Their vibrant color and flavor make them a standout in any dish.
Northern Spy
Origins: Originated in New York, USA; a seedling of an unknown variety.
Taste Profile: Sweet-tart and complex, with a hint of spice
Sweetness: 7/10
Best Uses:
Excellent for pies, especially when combined with other apple varieties. They are also great for cider-making and can be used in savory dishes like apple and sage stuffing. Northern Spy apples are cherished for their robust flavor and texture, making them a go-to for traditional pie recipes. Their rich taste pairs beautifully with spices, making them a fall favorite.
Empire
Origins: Developed in New York, USA; a cross between "McIntosh" and "Red Delicious."
Taste Profile: Sweet with a crisp texture
Sweetness Rating: 7/10
Best Uses:
Versatile for baking, snacking, and salads. They work well in cakes, muffins, and even apple-based sauces. Empire apples offer a delightful hybrid of sweet and tart, making them an all-purpose apple that’s perfect for snacking or baking. Try them in a classic apple pie for a balanced flavor.
Pink Lady
Origins: Developed in Australia; a cross between "Golden Delicious" and "Australian Wild Apple."
Taste Profile: Sweet with a crisp texture and a hint of citrusy tartness
Sweetness Rating: 8/10
Best Uses:
Great for salads, baking, and even in savory dishes. They enhance both sweet recipes like cakes and savory dishes such as roasted vegetables.
Pink Lady apples are known for their vibrant color and unique taste, sometimes described as effervescent and citrusy. They hold their shape well in baking, making them a delightful addition to any dish, especially in a savory apple and brie tart.
ABOUT THE CHEF & THE DISH
The Chef & The Dish has chefs around the world that you video conference into your kitchen for a private 1:1 virtual cooking class. Learn how to make pasta with a chef video calling you live from Italy, Pad Thai with a chef virtually in your kitchen live from Thailand. Together you cook, share stories, laugh and make a multi course meal together. Rated 'Best Date Night,' 'Best Gifts,' and "Best Cooking Classes" by WSJ, Forbes, Vanity Fair, Martha Stewart, Rolling Stone and tens more. Transport your kitchen for the day.™
Comments