Apples: Six Delicious Varieties
Apples have nourished us for thousands of years. Malus sieversii, the ancestor of all modern apple varieties, still grows wild in Kazakhstan where it originated. It doesn’t look much different from a modern apple. It’s green when young, ripens to a deep red when mature, and it’s the perfect size to hold in your palm.
In modern times, apples have spread worldwide-they’re one of the most successful fruits in the world. Here’s a breakdown of the most common apple varieties you’ll find on the market today.
Red delicious. When you think apples, chances are you’re thinking about red delicious. These are a gorgeous deep red, tall and fluted, and grow quite big. They’re one of America’s most popular snacking apples, with a sweet-tart, crisp bite and a thick, slightly bitter skin. Great for eating raw, but it’s not ideal for baking.
Golden delicious. Surprisingly, these apples have no relation to red delicious. You can tell just by looking: they’re round and fat, not tall and graceful. The yellow skin of this apple is thin and mild, and its meat is sweet, firm, and juicy. Its sweetness and firm texture make it great for both baking and snacking.
Granny Smith. These were the first green apples to hit American grocery stores. They are quite mild tasting, not overwhelmingly sweet or tart. They hold up well under rough handling. They can also be kept in cold storage for six months without spoiling. Its mild taste makes it taste a bit bland when raw, bit it’s perfect for sauces and preferred by many grocery stores.
Winesap. These apples are full of personality. They taste spicy and tart, with the flavor and aroma of red wine. They’re not to everyone’s taste when eaten raw because of their strong, distinctive flavor-but those who prefer them raw are enthusiastic about them. They are small compared with other varieties, and they’re rare in grocery produce sections. They’re often used in ciders and pies.
Gala. These are beautiful apples, with a finely mottled red and golden skin. The flesh is cream-colored, sweet and mild tasting. It’s good for snacking-the flavor is a bit more interesting than Golden Delicious apples. They don’t hold up well in the oven, however; baking tends to make them bland.
McIntosh. This is the top-selling apple in North America and Canada today. Developed by John McIntosh, a Canadian farmer, in 1870, this apple has been used as breeding stock for Cortland, Empire, Spartan, and many other more modern varieties. McIntosh apples are round and retain some green mottling across their red skins when ripe. They taste aromatic, with a spicy, complex flavor-perfect for snacking, and their flavor comes through even in baking.
Nutritionists have been encouraging people to eat apples for generations. Today’s scientific studies suggest that the apple’s reputation as a healthy snack is well-deserved. Apples are healthy, convenient, and tasty whether raw, baked, in sauces, or in drinks. No matter your age, you can never have too many apples.