Getting to the Core of Apple Uses
| 3 min read
Did you know there are more than 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the United States?
With so many options, it can be hard to choose your favorite and even harder to know which kind you need for any given recipe. From tart to sweet, each apple has a purpose.
Here are some of the ways you can use different varieties of Michigan-grown apples:
- Braeburn– these apples are firm and have a crisp bite. They are commonly used for baking, but taste just as good on their own.
- Cortland– commonly used in desserts and can be sliced for salads and cheese trays. They are juicy and have a slightly tart taste.
- Empire– this variety is firm and both sweet and tart at the same time. It’s perfect to eat on its own or add to your favorite dessert!
- Fuji– Fuji apples have a longer shelf-life than most other apples. They taste sweet and tart and are great for baking because they hold their shape.
- Gala– Gala apples are crisp and sweet. They are commonly used for applesauce, ciders and eating on their own.
- Golden Delicious– Golden Delicious apples are commonly used in ciders and baking. Their taste is sweet but mellow.
- Honeycrisp– This apple is juicy, sweet and crisp. It is mostly used for fresh eating and sometimes baking.
- Ida Red– Ida Reds are commonly used for pies and desserts. The taste is tangy. These apples are also great for freezing which helps to extend their shelf life.
- Jonagold– Jonagolds are sweet and tart and crisp and juicy. They can be eaten fresh or added to salads.
- Jonathan– Commonly used for cooking, these apples are spicy and tart and pair well with other varieties.
- McIntosh– Juicy with a crisp crunch on the outside, these apples are sweet and lightly tart. They are great for eating fresh or being used in baked goods.
- Northern Spy– These apples store well and are commonly used for baking. They are typically late-season apples.
- Paula Red– These apples are going out of season and are more common in the late summer months. Their tart flavor makes them best for baking.
- Red Delicious– America’s most common apple, the Red Delicious is best for fresh eating.
- Rome– Rome apples have a mild but sweet flavor and are most common in baking.
Of course, you’re free to use any variety of apple in whichever way you choose. If you’re looking for a new recipe, here are some of our favorites:
Which variety is the apple of your eye?
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Photo Credit: A Healthier Michigan
