Fall season is upon us, and with it comes some of our favorite treats. No, we’re not talking about pumpkin spice… We’re talking about apples! Apple pies, apple muffins, apple cider. We love apples baked into our desserts, tossed into salads, blended into butternut squash soup, and of course, simply on their own as the perfect sweet snack. You may have noticed the many apple options available to you when customizing your farm box. Today we will take a look at the flavor profiles of some of our favorite apple varieties, and for what uses they are best suited!
Fuji
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Fuji is your answer. Fuji apples were discovered in the 1930s in Fujisaki, Japan (hence the name). They are a hybrid of Red Delicious and Ralls Janet, a less common apple that lends Fuji its beautiful pink hue. Sweet and juicy, biting into a Fuji apple will make you feel like you’re drinking fresh-squeezed apple juice. Fuji apples are most commonly eaten raw. They do hold their shape well when baked; however, they are very juicy so be cautious of extra moisture when baking. We especially love Fuji apples for making apple butter and homemade applesauce.
Gala
Gala apples are also extremely popular for eating raw. Originating from New Zealand, they are related to the Golden Delicious variety. Gala apples are a little less sweet than Fujis, but their semi-sweet flavor features hints of vanilla and floral notes. They are firm and crisp, with a creamy yellow interior. Gala apples tend to be smaller in size, making them great for on-the-go snacking. Gala apples are wonderful when sliced and tossed in a salad.
Granny Smith
A tried and true favorite, Granny Smith apples are good for pretty much everything - snacking, cooking, baking, freezing. They don’t brown easily, making them ideal for a fruit salad or fruit platter. Maria Ann Smith discovered these green apples growing in Australia in the late 1800s. They became popular in the 1960s when they were grown commercially in Washington. Granny Smiths are a favorite for baking - we love how their tart flavor balances out the sweetness of a brown sugar crumble topping.
Honeycrisp
Honeycrisp apples are perfectly described by their name - sweet like honey with a crisp texture that snaps when you bite into it. New on the scene, Honeycrisp apples were first created in the early 1990s by the University of Minnesota’s apple breeding program. They have a juicy flavor that balances sweetness and acidity. Their texture and flavor holds up extremely well, making them great for apple tarts and pies.
