There are over 1000 varieties of apples grown in North
America. They range in shape from traditionally round to
lopsided like a toy-top. They have flavors ranging from
sweet to sour with the essence of other fruits such as mangoes
and bananas and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The
most common varieties are often chosen for their superior
shape and look rather than according to their flavor. The
most popular varieties include Jonagold, Red Delicious,
Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Braeburn, Gala, Jonathan
and McIntosh.
Jonagold apples are a cross between Jonathan and Golden
Delicious. They have a sweet-tart flavor and a yellow-red
color. Although not an American favorite yet, the Jonagold
placed first in a taste contest with 19 judges from 9 different
countries. Jonagolds are picked from mid-September through
October and will keep well in cold storage.
Red Delicious is the #1 apple in America. It is known
more for it's unique shape and deep coloring than for it's
flavor. It is notorious for it's polar appeals. It wins
almost all contests when it comes to image, yet never fares
well in taste tests. It has become the stereotypical image
of what an apple should look like and therefore is the most
produced and sold in this country. One unique aspect of
the Red Delicious is that it keeps it's color and shape
well after it's flesh has over-ripened into mush. Red Delicious
are picked in September but are sold year-round. Be careful
as time passes after harvest because Red Delicious will
only deteriorate on the inside.
Granny Smith introduced the United States to the green
apple. Green is usually a sign of immaturity so Granny Smith
met many skeptics. It's flavor is distinctly tart, but not
sour. The story goes that in 1868 this apple sprouted by
accident from a pile of apples tossed out by an Australian
woman named Mrs. Smith. It is very durable for shipping
and can last after harvest for over 6 months. When choosing
Granny Smith apples remember that more pale skin color means
sweeter flesh. Granny Smiths are harvested in October.
Golden Delicious is not related to the Red Delicious.
It has thin skin and a mild flavor and aroma. It comes from
one chance seedling grown in 1914. When choosing a Golden
Delicious look for a pale yellow skin color. Goldens are
picked mid-September through late October.
The Fuji apple is the child of a Red Delicious and a Ralls
Janet (an apple named by Thomas Jefferson in 1793). It has
for a long time been the favorite apple in China and Japan.
Fuji is known more for it's flavor than for it's image.
It ranks at or near the top in most worldwide taste contests.
It is also the most durable and can last over a year if
properly refrigerated.
Braeburn is a chance seedling from New Zealand. It was
introduced in 1952 but has met resistance because it's color
is not completely red. It has a thin skin and a sweet-tart
flavor accompanied by a cidery, aromatic aftertaste.
Gala apples are a cross between Golden Delicious and Kidd's
Orange Red from New Zealand. It was created in 1920, but
not introduced to America until 1960. It has a mild, sweet
flavor and a good aroma. In taste tests it consistently
beats both the McIntosh and Golden Delicious. They are harvested
from August-October and will last for over three months
in cold storage.
Jonathan apples were discovered in New York in the early
1800's. It has a mild-tart flavor and a distinct spicy tang.
Jonathans are ripe from mid-September through mid-October.
McIntosh are the best selling apples in the Northeastern
United States and Canada. Unlike Red Delicious, it is enjoyed
for both it's flavor and it's physical appearance. It was
created in 1870 from a cross between Fameuse and Detroit
Red apples. It has crisp flesh with a spicy aromatic flavor.
It is a perfect apple for cider and sauce but less effective
in pies. It is harvested in September. Be careful during
the later winter months, McIntosh are not very durable and
will turn mealy.
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