The evenings are cooler and the days have a crisp edge – it’s fall in Minnesota, and fall means apple season. Everyone finds enjoyment in heading to a local orchard to pick and purchase delicious, juicy apples that are at their peak this time of year. It’s fun to use apples for pies, crisp, sauce, and hand eating. Honeycrisp, Haralson, and McIntosh are all delicious, but every time I bring home a bag of apples, I forget which ones are the best for what I plan to do with them.
Varieties of apples vary greatly in texture, taste, and ability to withstand heat, which effects the apple’s ability to keep its shape when cooked. Ultimately, it is personal preference and cultural traditions that often determine which varieties of apples are used for which purpose. That said, sweeter and softer apples make the best applesauce (like McIntosh), harder, drier apples are often used for baking and storing (like Wealthy and Haralson), and tarter, more crisp and juicier apples are often eaten fresh (like SweeTango and Honeycrisp). Try mixing varieties for a super tasty pie or sauce!
I hope you’ll take some time this fall to make a family trip to an orchard and pick up some great locally grown apples. Apple varieties have different qualities – some are perfect for baking, some work better for salads, and some are ideal for eating fresh off the tree. Please remember that not every orchard grows every variety of apple, so contact your orchard to see what they have available, and what’s ripe.
What are your favorite apple varieties and goodies?
