Varieties of Apples
There are 7,500 varieties of apple known in the world, with 2,500 different apples grown in the United States (100 varieties are grown commercially). Having so many choices makes it pretty tough to pick the right apple for the right job, so the apple varieties charts below are here to help you with the most common apple varieties that we see in our stores.
How should I use THIS apple?
This first apple varieties chart (below) is to be used if you have picked up some apples and you wonder what they would be best suited for. Scroll down alphabetically to find your apple, then read across to learn more about its flavor, texture and best uses.
What apple do I need?
This apple varieties chart below is to help you choose the right apple for whatever it is you are making – a salad, a pie, apple sauce, etc… For example, if you want to make apple sauce, you’ll see the best apples for the task marked with an “X” in the green apple sauce column.
Picking the Right Apple
Using the right apple for the recipe is the first step on the road to success with your recipe. If you are making a savory braised dish with apples, like this apple cider glazed chicken or bratwurst with beer, apples and onions, you want an apple that can hold its shape and handle the heat. Use an apple that is too soft in texture, and you’ll end up with apple sauce instead of chunks of apple. If you are making an apple pie, you want to use an apple that matches your desired outcome. Some apples are sweet, some are tart and others are in between, so choose an apple that will give you the level of sweetness that you want in your pie. The right start for any apple recipe is picking the apple! 🍎🍏
Thank you for these very helpful charts. We drove up to North Georgia apple country this week to purchase apples and a pumpkin – they would have been handy then. 😉
Pinning
Sheila
My mother used Winesap for a delicious pie. I do not see them in stores, any longer. What choice would you suggest as a good substitute?
Hi Carol. Winesap apples were more popular in the 50’s and are harder to find these days. Stayman or Pink Lady apples are the closest in flavor to Winesap apples.
Thank you for the apple chart. I do have a problem with one of the apples listed.
I have rarely used a McIntosh for eating. I find the “skin” aka peel to be tough. My grandmother used McIntosh apples for her pies or other baking. I do feel McIntosh should be listed in the baking column also. Thanks
Hi Patricia. You can certainly use McIntosh for baking if you like an apple pie where the apples break down, which some people do like. I would put them in a pie with another apple that holds its shape a little more so there is some structure to your pie. The chart just specifies what the best use for the apple is, but doesn’t mean you can’t use it for other things.
MEREDIDH WHAT ARE THE BEST APPLES FOR BAKED FILLED APPLE RECIPE?
Hi Linda. You’ll want to use an apple that is firm for stuffed apples, so I would suggest Fuji or Rome, but you can also use Pink Lady or Honey Crisp apples.
Meredith do you have a recipe for freezing apple pie filling? I would love to put some in the freezer.
Thank you,
Tena Laswell
Hi Tena. I don’t have a recipe for apple pie filling written up, I’m afraid. You can, however, cook apples on the stovetop with the spices you like in apple pie (cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger), butter, sugar and lemon juice. When the apples are soft, stir together some granulated sugar and flour and then stir this mixture into the pot to thicken the mixture. Let the pie filling cool completely and then freeze.
Thanks for the charts. They are very helpful. I used the link you provided to print the second one but I can’t figure out a way to print the first one. Help please.
Both charts are now available in the download. You can just click on the button and print out both charts. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for letting us know!
What about Lobo apples, and Gravensteins?
Lobo apples have a sweet-sour tangy flavor. They hold their shape and can be used for baking. Gravensteins are also sweet-tart and are good for baking, applesauce and cider too.
We have Gravenstein apples. Best for cooking pies, applesauce or cider.
Thx, i’d like to try freezing some apple pie filling and will follow your suggestion. Question: after making a fresh pie crust should you put the frozen apple pie filling into the crust while it’s still frozen before you bake?