Apples, Apples, Apples - They Really aren’t all the same!
When it comes to fruit, there is nothing better. It’s a staple in a healthy, balanced lifestyle and diet. Fruit is full of vitamins, minerals, water (for hydration), fiber, and naturally occurring sugars that the body can break down and use more easily to help everything function smoothly.
Apples are no exception to these nutrition facts. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy this sweet, tart, juicy, and refreshing fruit in its natural season—when you get the most nutritional punch in every bite. 🍎
Apples are a staple in my house. I’m pretty sure there isn’t a day that my family doesn’t have apples for at least one of our meals. That might sound crazy, but doesn’t the saying go, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? I think that’s true. And even if it’s not 100% accurate, apples are still amazing—packed with fiber for a properly functioning digestive system, natural sugars for energy to keep you going all day, and antioxidants that fight free radicals, reducing cell damage and lowering the risk of cancer.
I’ll also note—what’s not to love about apples? With so many varieties out there, you can never get bored of eating them!
Fun Fact About Apples – Did You Know?
There are over 7,500 varieties of apples in our incredibly diverse world, and each one has its own unique flavor profile. This makes apples an incredibly dynamic fruit, enjoyed in different ways across countries and cultures around the globe.
The many cultivars of apple varieties meet a wide range of needs—from nutritional benefits and cultural traditions to food preferences, growing styles, and, of course, the personal taste preferences of millions of individuals worldwide.
There’s an apple to make any dish more special, any event or holiday more memorable, any cultural recipe a little sweeter or tarter—and to make any kid (or kid at heart) smile with a simple, tasty snack. Apples truly offer endless possibilities and can meet the diverse needs of just about every consumer.
What Can You Use Apples For?
Apples are perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. They’re great eaten fresh, cooked, or baked. They’re also one of the most versatile fruits across all cuisines, making it easy to incorporate them into any flavorful dish.
Here are some of the most popular ways people use apples in baking, cooking, and eating fresh:
Baking:
Apple Pie
Apple Crisp
Apple Turnovers
Apple Cider Donuts
Apple Scones
Caramel Apples
Cooking:
Pork Chops with Herbed Apple Slices
Apple & Veggie Curries
Applesauce
Apple & Grain-Stuffed Squash
Apple & Sausage Stuffing (perfect for Thanksgiving)
Snacks (Fresh):
Dipped in Nut Butters, Fruit Dips, Yogurt, or even Caramel
Simply Plain & Sliced
Here are some of my favorite ways to use apples for baking, cooking, and eating fresh:
Baking:
Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Oat Pancakes with Spiced & Cooked Apples
Apple Cider Muffins
Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Apple & Oat Breakfast Cookies
No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecake
Cooking:
Roasted & Blended into Squash Soups
Brie & Apple Pizza
Applesauce (any flavor, with no added sugar)
Apple Pie Smoothies
Roasted, Herbed Apple & Squash Cubes (perfect Thanksgiving side)
Snacks (Fresh):
Simply Plain, Peeled, and Sliced
Dipped in Vanilla Yogurt Fruit Dip
Dipped in Creamy Natural Almond Butter
Dipped in Traditional Hummus
Chopped & Mixed in a Fruit Salad with Strawberries, Peaches, etc.
Top Apple Tastings
I’ve tried so many apples over the years—Gala, Cosmic Crisp, Fuji, Envy, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, SweeTango, Pink Lady, Opal, Jonagold, McIntosh, Jonathan, Braeburn, Rosalee, Autumn Crisp, SugarBee, Jazz, and more.
Each variety has its own unique balance of tartness/sweetness, softness/crispness, spiciness/mellowness, and countless other flavor notes that make them distinct. The more apples I try, the more I appreciate the ones I love to eat regularly, as well as those I enjoy using in different recipes to add a unique twist on classic apple dishes.
Below, I’ve listed my top favorite apples—those of which I try to keep on hand almost all the time! Each is unique in its own way: juicy, flavorful, and easy to find year-round at most stores or at my local fruit stands during the summer and fall. Plus, I've included a section of apples I’ve heard of but haven’t yet tried (though I hope to one day!).
My Top Favorite Apples (ranked from most to least favorite)
Red Delicious
These are the classic apples you often find at hotel breakfasts, buffets, or on-the-go at places like airports. They have a deep, rich red exterior with a glossy sheen and little red and white speckles. The skin is thicker, and the flesh is white-yellow and soft. The flavor is mild—neither too sweet nor tart. Red Delicious apples store well and are perfect for cooking, baking, and juicing. I love how long they last in the fridge, making them great for baking and juicing whenever you need them.Golden Delicious
Golden Delicious apples are mildly sweet with just a hint of tartness. They have a firm texture, light-colored flesh, and a golden-yellow-orange exterior with small brown speckles. Their buttery flavor, with notes of honey, makes them perfect for fresh eating/ snacking, cooking, and baking. I especially love using them in fresh juices and ciders during the fall because of their mild sweetness and firm texture that holds up during cooking.Ambrosia
Ambrosia apples are naturally sweet, with a honey-like flavor and crisp texture. Their yellow-red exterior and light flesh don’t brown easily, making them perfect for fresh snacking, salads, or even baking. Since they’re already so sweet, you don’t need as much sugar or honey in recipes. I love them for adding to any snack combination or serving as a side with a hearty meal.Fuji
Fuji apples are my absolute favorite. They have a sweet, candy-like flavor that reminds me of honey and perfectly ripe pears. The red exterior has yellow-green streaks, and the firm interior is full of juiciness. While mildly tart, the sweetness dominates, making them ideal for fresh eating and snacking, baking, applesauce, and juicing. I love them fresh, but they also make the sweetest cider and pair wonderfully with warm spices for making apple butter in the crockpot during the fall.
Apple Varieties I Want to Try
Winter Banana – These apples are said to be very sweet with a hint of tartness, and they have a banana-like aroma and taste. They feature a pale yellow and red skin that bruises easily, and the skin is quite aromatic. The flesh is juicy, making them perfect for juicing or eating fresh. To me, they sound delicious, sweet, and ideal for both fresh snacks and fresh fruit and vegetable juices!
Ginger Gold – These apples are mildly sweet with a crisp, light interior. They're very durable and don't brown as easily as other varieties. They ripen early, making them perfect for enjoying sweet, juicy apples early on in the harvest season. Ginger Gold apples are also very juicy, making them great for cider-making. I’d love to try them, especially since they’re said to have a hint of spiciness that gives them their “ginger” name – that sounds pretty interesting!
Northern Spy – These large apples are known for their white, juicy, tart, and crisp interior. They’re refreshing and have a smooth, delicate exterior, yellow with streaks of red. Northern Spy apples hold their shape well when cooked or baked, making them perfect for pies, crisps, and other baked goods that require apples that hold up their shape. They also have a great storage life and are harvested late in the fall, making them a top-quality crop. I’d love to try these – they sound perfect for adding to vanilla protein oatmeal, muffins, or even a spiced cider!
Smokehouse – Smokehouse apples are described as having a malted, caramel-like flavor that’s both sweet, rich, and savory. They have a soft, crisp texture and a long storage life, making them ideal for keeping on hand well after the harvest period. The exterior is ivory-yellow and smooth, and the apples have an oval shape. Their flavor is a sweet-tart blend with hints of spices, making them a perfect choice for fall baking. I’m excited to try them in muffins, pancakes, cupcakes, ciders, applesauce, and more during the cozy fall months.
SnowSweet – SnowSweet apples are known for their crisp, tart flavor, and they thrive in colder temperatures. They have a striking contrast between their deep red exterior and bright white interior. Their flavor is sweet-tart, with notes reminiscent of lemonade, honey, and sour gummy candy, making them similar to a Honeycrisp. These apples are not only beautiful but also versatile, perfect for eating fresh, baking into pastries, or using in savory dishes. To me, they sound delicious, crisp, and refreshing – a great addition to both sweet and savory meals.
Overall, apples are fascinating. There are so many varieties, and I’m excited to keep trying new ones, experimenting cooking them, and enjoying this uniquely healthy and delicious harvest pick. We all have our favorites, but it’s always worth trying new ones and exploring new ways to use this classic, traditional fruit. 😊
