We cultivate different varieties of apples including; Alice, Ambrosia, Ananasrenette, Aroma, Discovery, Bramley, Arkansas Black, Fuji, Golden delicious, Goldrenette, Gala and many others. Our Cultivars vary in their yield and the ultimate size of the tree, even when grown on the same rootstock. Some cultivars, if left unpruned, will grow very large, which allows them to bear much more fruit, but makes harvesting very difficult. Depending on the tree density (number of trees planted per unit surface area), mature trees typically bear 40–200 kg (88–441 lb) of apples each year
Born in New Zealand, Braeburns are what you think of when you conjure the smell of autumn. The flesh is sweet and tart, with underlying hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s fairly common throughout the United States, and while this apple is most delicious fresh from the branch, it also performs well in the oven (try using some in our Potluck German Apple Cake.)
The Cameo is thought to be a cross of Red and Golden Delicious since it exhibits the best qualities of both. It was discovered in the state of Washington in an orchard of Red Delicious apple trees. It holds its shape well in a pie and delivers a satisfyingly sweet and tart flavor.
If you like a McIntosh, give the Cortland apple a try. It’s just a little bit tart and has a wonderfully crisp, finely grained flesh that will help your pie keeps its shape. You can often identify these apples by their bright red color and rather flat shape. So remember: don’t judge an apple by its shape!
A relative newcomer to the apple scene, the Empire was introduced in New York in the 1960s. This apple stands at the melodious intersection of tart and sweet, crisp and juicy. Calling the Red Delicious and McIntosh its parents, it’s an apple designed to satisfy every eater, no matter their preference. Enjoy it out of hand or cook it—it is as irresistible sliced raw as it is in our Apple Butterscotch Crisp.
Though created in Japan, Fujis are the offspring of Red Delicious and Ralls Janet, another American variety. Extremely crisp, they’re among the sweetest apples. Widely produced, there are more Fuji trees in the northern and southern parts of the States than in all of Japan. When it comes to enjoying this apple, be creative! Its firmness makes it a sweet addition to salads as well as baked treats like these homemade crumbles, cobblers and crisps.
Queen Elizabeth II may have loved it first, but after the New Zealand apple made its way to the U.S. in the 1970s, it became a national favorite here. With golden flesh feathered by pink and orange, this variety is very sweet and crisp. You’ll find it growing in all but the southernmost parts of the country. Get the most out of it by eating it raw, juicing it or adding it to this Spinach, Apple & Pecan Salad.
If its name is any indicator, this apple has a lot in common with Red Delicious. Flavor-wise, it’s straightforward: mild and sweet, but more versatile than its blushing sibling. Bite into it raw, or throw it into a dish like this Apple Salad with Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette. Since it juices very little in the oven, it’s great for baking.
Another grocery store sweetheart, lovely green Granny Smiths are tart and crisp, perfect for adding some depth to desserts—like our Macaroon Apple Cobbler. For bold eaters who enjoy a super tart snack, Granny Smiths are awesome paired with a dip. Try it with the best peanut butter.
What you see (and read) is what you get! As the name implies, this apple is sweet, with firm, crisp flesh and flavors that aren’t too overwhelming. Minnesota’s official state fruit is a star performer, and it thrives in a pie. Try it in our Blue-Ribbon Apple Pie.
Jazz is a cross between a Braeburn and a Royal Gala. It will surely “jazz up your baking.” It has subtle pear undertones that work for lots of baked goods, as well as everything from roasted meat to vegetable dishes.
The McIntosh has soft flesh and a happy flavor medium between sweet and acidic. Grown primarily in the upper Great Lakes states and into eastern Canada, it is also best raw, although it can hold its own when tossed into a fruit salad or turned into sauce (like our Easy Homemade Chunky Applesauce). Although some enjoy its tart taste in pies, it tends to shrink down quite a bit when baked.
The Pink Lady is a seductive fruit, offering crispy flesh and a sweet aftertaste following its tarter first bite. Primarily grown in Washington and California, it is very versatile. Enjoy it however you choose, whether raw or in a pie. (Want to mix it up? Try our Dutch Cranberry-Apple pie.) The Pink Lady’s firmness makes it a wonderful addition to any charcuterie board. Unlike other apples, its designation is quite strict; it has to meet firm criteria regarding its sweetness and acidity. If it fails to qualify, it’s called a Cripps Pink (still a tasty apple!).
This apple is perhaps the most ubiquitous in grocery stores and farmers markets, earning its spot as America’s best-selling apple. It’s the simplest fruit on this list: The sweet flavor is one-note, it’s tastiest as is (it won’t hold up well when baked) and its flesh is crumbly. Fresh is always best.