From tart Granny Smiths to sweet and juicy Honeycrisps, there are endless varieties of apples for every palette!
Dozens up dozens of varieties of apples are sold commercially, and countless more can only be found in local farmers markets. Each variety has its own unique flavor and texture, ranging from tart to sweet and soft to crunchy. Here are the top 6 commercially sold apple varieties:
- Granny Smith: Full of crisp, ripe flavor, Granny Smith apples are one of the most popular and common varieties of apple. Although on the tart side of apples, they taste quite sweet after acclimating to their flavor. They are also one of the most common varieties used to make apple pie due to their firm flesh and unique texture. Despite costing more than the average apple (at around $1.30-$1.50 per pound), their immense flavor and crispness make them a delicacy worth the cost.
- Ambrosia: Far smaller than the Granny Smith variety, these red and yellow colored apples are brimming with crunchiness and flavor. These apples are perfectly sized for an on-the-go snack and are quite cheap relative to other varieties, clocking in at $0.83 per pound. Ambrosia apples appeared randomly at an orchard in British Columbia, Canada, and now, they are grown and sold across the US, spreading their sweet flavor everywhere they go.
- Honeycrisp: One of the more common apple varieties, Honeycrisp apples are known for their incredible sweetness and crispy texture. This variety costs just about $1.10-$1.30 per pound, putting them at the average cost for apples. They can also be used in pies due to their firmness and texture, making them one of the most versatile varieties of apples.
- Gala: The ubiquitous apple, Gala apples are one of the most classic apple varieties. Full of crispy flavor but also somewhat soft, these apples are adored by apple amateurs and enthusiasts alike. They can be used as pie fillings, but since they are somewhat softer than Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, they might yield more gooey pies unless paired with firmer apples. Gala apples are also in the middle of the cost range for apple varieties, generally costing about $1.10 per pound.
- Fuji: Fuji apples are an alternative to Gala apples, falling into the same price range. Far sweeter than Gala apples (although appearing superficially similar to Gala apples), Fuji apples are renowned for their flavor and their crunchy texture. They are firm enough to be used in pies and sweet enough to add a punch of vibrancy to any dish, from salads to smoothies.
- Pink Lady: A lesser known variety, Pink Lady apples are not pink but are rather bright red apples splotched with yellow patches. Pink Lady apples are generally characterized by their combination of incredible sweetness and acidity, making them a perfectly refreshing choice. Pink Lady apples are also quite useful in baking pies because of their flavor and crispness and can even add flavor to summer salads. Pink Lady apples are on the pricey side of apples (around $1.50 per pound) owing to their highly acclaimed flavor.
