Seasonal Eats for Fall: Apple Varieties for Baking and Eating
Whether they’re coated in caramel, pressed into a cider, or baked into a delicious pie, there is no denying that apples are a staple for the fall season. At Foodtown, our produce aisles are stocked with a colorful array of apples. Many of our supermarkets even offer locally grown options! While all varieties are certainly delicious, it can be overwhelming to distinguish which are best for baking and which are best to be eaten as is. Whether you’re shopping to prepare for fall baking or simply stocking up on this favorite lunchtime snack, here’s everything you need to know about fall apple varieties.
Which Apples are Harvested in the Fall?
The tri-state region is home to many apple orchards, making Foodtown’s selection among the best. During your next visit to your nearest Foodtown grocery store, keep an eye out for the following seasonal varieties, which are extra flavorful at this time of year:
| Apple Variety | Color | Flavor | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuji | Mostly red with some green spots | Sweet-tart | Crisp and crunchy |
| Gala | Speckled with red-orange and yellow |
Slight floral sweetness | Thin skin and crisp flesh |
| Golden Delicious | Yellow-green with darker green specs |
Sweet | Tender skin and with slightly crisp bite |
| Granny Smith | Bright green | Tart and tangy | Firm skin and crisp flesh |
| Red Delicious | Bright red | Slightly bitter skin with mildly sweet flesh |
Crisp bite with a soft flesh |
| McIntosh | Bright red with spots of bright green | Sweet-tart | Tender skin and flesh |
| Cripps Pink (Pink Lady) | Red with blush pink spots |
Sweet-tart | Firm flesh with a crisp skin |
| Honeycrisp | Streaked with pink-red and yellow-green | Very sweet | Crisp and juicy |
Best Apples for Baking
When it comes to choosing the best baking apple, texture and flavor are key. Whether you’re whipping up an apple crisp or pie, you want a variety that offers a firmness that will hold up in the oven, as well as a balanced sweet-tart flavor that will pop among other ingredients. When baking, opt for:
- Granny Smith
- Gala
- Fuji
- Cripps Pink
Best Apples for Sauces
If you’re making applesauce, chutney, or apple butter, look for those that offer a more tender flesh and sweetness. Juicy apples are also ideal, which offer more liquid, making for extra flavorful results. For these kinds of recipes, reach for:
- McIntosh
- Honeycrisp
- Cripps Pink
- Golden Delicious
Best Apples for Eating Raw
When eating apples straight from your hand, it really comes down to preference! If you enjoy a tart flavor, reach for a variety such as granny smith. If you prefer sweeter notes, choose honey crisp or pink lady. If you’re packing lunch or looking for a travel-friendly option, choose those with a firmer skin, such as:
- Pink Lady
- Granny Smith
- Fuji
At Foodtown supermarkets, you’ll find a large selection of apples for your enjoyment. Between our impressive prices and the savings found in our Weekly Circular, you’ll have no problem stocking up for fall baking and snacking.