A fall guide to apples
Odds are when you’ve been walking around the grocery store lately you’ve been exposed to a hodgepodge of apple varieties. With autumn apple season in full swing, it may seem like there are simply too many kinds of this fruit for you to keep track. Moreover, those looking for the perfect apple variety may not know where to start. Those exploring the baking & pastry arts may need an entirely different apple from those looking to make homemade hard cider. Luckily, Food Republic has offered a comprehensive infographic displaying what apple varieties are best for each dish in the kitchen. Here are a few takeaways:
Granny Smith apples are versatile
According to Whole Foods Market, Granny Smith apples are useful in savory dishes due to their tart flavor and the fact that they are slow to soften when baked. From Food Republic’s infographic we can gather that the Granny Smith apple is good for apple chips, pies, tarts, baking whole and eating as a snack on the go. In other words, these apples are versatile. Since Granny Smiths have a firm texture, they are perfect for adding a crisp element to a salad or slaw, and also can provide a crunchier filling for pastries if desired.
Honeycrisp apples are best raw
Food Republic claims honeycrisp apples are great for apple sauce, salads and eating raw, which makes sense considering the apple’s moniker. This variety offers up a pleasant, crisp texture combined with a honey sweet taste, making it ideal for a vegetable or fruit salad. These apples are also fantastic sliced and dipped in peanut butter.
Try different varieties
There’s likely a few varieties of apples you have yet to try. Everyone has individual tastes and preferences, and if you’re not a huge apple fan you may have simply not found the right one yet. Food Republic lists 18 varieties of apples that are good to consume raw, as well as 12 that make great pies and crisps. So if you haven’t tried a Jonagold, Macoun or Cortland variety, you might be missing out.
Find what’s regional
Apple varieties change from region to region. So if you’re in the Midwest, try out some of the local produce that grows nearby. Look at the sticker on each apple to see where it was grown, and in some cases the state may be advertised directly on the crate in which the apples are being sold.
