Red Delicious Apples are, by far, the most popular variety to eat fresh. This firm, crisp, sweet and juicy apple is low-acid. Though it's very tasty when eaten raw, it's not a good choice for cooking and baking. | |
Yellow or Golden Delicious Apples have firm, crisp flesh that is sweet and juicy. This all-purpose apple is wonderful for snacking, in salads and for cooking and baking. They're a great choice for making low-sugar applesauce and pies. | |
Gala Apples are excellent for eating and salads. Because of their small size, mellow flavor and thin skin, Gala Apples are a perfect choice for kid's snacks. | |
Granny Smith Apples were the first green apples introduced to supermarket shoppers across America. This variety succeeded commercially where other green apples could not. It's a large mild-flavored apple with a good balance of tart and sweet. Granny Smith apples are available year-round. | |
Jonathan Apples are medium sized with a bright red color. The flesh is yellowish-white, occasionally with red veins running through. They are tender, juicy, and moderately tart. This is another all-purpose apple, meaning it can be used for cooking, baking or eating fresh. | |
McIntosh Apples are a deep red color with a tender white flesh that cooks down quickly, making them a good choice for applesauce. Juicy McIntosh apples are also good for snacking. | |
Rome Beauty Apples have a mild flavor that is enhanced after cooking or baking. They're a very good choice for desserts like apple crisp and also for fried apples. | |
Winesap Apples (Stayman Winesap) are a firm but juicy apple with a wine-like, tart flavor. They're good for eating fresh, for making cider, and for baking. Since they hold their shape well when baked, they're good for making apple dumplings. |
This is only a sampling of the many versatile varieties of apples. See Apple Varieties for a chart listing these and many other varieties with the characteristics and use of each.