How Do You Like Them Apples?

Apples bring a welcome freshness to the colder weather months, adding bright tastes and exciting textures to fall and winter seasonal dishes. There are 2,500 varieties of apples in the U.S. that range in fruitiness, acidity, sweetness, juiciness and crispness. Whether you’re looking for apples that are sweet, tart or anywhere in between, there’s an abundance of distinct and delicious apples from around the world to explore and enjoy! 

Selection & Storage Tips: Choose apples that are firm, uniform in color and bruise and blemish-free. A fresh, high-quality apple will also give off a pleasant aroma. Apples will keep the longest in an environment that’s 32°F with 90% humidity. If you can’t maintain these exact conditions, the best way to retain the fresh-picked flavor of apples is to store them in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Also, store apples away from other fruits and vegetables, as they give off ethylene gas, which speeds the decay of nearby produce.

RubyFrost® Apples
A new seasonal New York-grown variety that’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart is the RubyFrost apple. It has a hearty, crunchy and crisp texture and plump, luscious appearance. With peak flavor in the winter months, RubyFrost apples are ideal for baking into warm seasonal dishes like pies, breads and tarts or pairing with a glass of red wine.

Pink Lady® Apples
Pink Lady apples, also known as Cripps Pink, have rosy pink skin and a tart taste with a sweet finish. A cross between Lady Williams and Golden Delicious apples, Pink Lady apples pair exceptionally well with savory flavors like onion, chili pepper and peppercorn, and mild cheeses like Gorgonzola, Cheddar and Monterey Jack. They also make a lovely component on cheeseboards and are a refreshing addition to salads, sandwiches, sauces and purées.

SnapDragon® Apples
SnapDragon apples are sweet, juicy and packed with monster crunch appeal. Grown in New York State, this Honeycrisp hybrid is incredibly popular with kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for fresh eating or adding a satisfying crunch to salads and slaws.

Jazz™ Apples
Created by a grower in New Zealand and also grown in Chile and Washington State, Jazz apples are a cross between two popular varieties – Braeburn and Gala. They’re red with green and yellow patches and boast a sweet, sharp flavor. Use this apple variety to jazz up any meal – they’re great for snacking or pairing with roasted meat and veggies and will retain their firm shape in baked applications such as apple crisps and tarts.