45 Best Apple Recipes (+Produce Guide)

Apples are round, edible fruits that are widely recognized for their nutritious value and varied uses. They are extremely versatile, and are often consumed raw or used in a variety of ways such as pies and sauces, and beverages like cider and juices. Apple fruits grow on apple trees, and the apple botanical name is Malus domestica.

The origin of apples is traced to Central Asia, particularly the wild apple forests of Kazakhstan, where they grew in abundance. These wild apples, known as Malus sieversii, are thought to be the ancestors of most of the apples we consume today.

The apple tree was brought to the North American continent by colonists in the 17th century with seeds from Europe. While the apples that initially grew were mainly used for making cider, it was the discovery of the McIntosh apple in the early 19th century that led to vast apple orchards and commercial cultivation.

Apples are typically in season during the late summer through fall, specifically, from late August until early November.

This can vary, however, based on the specifics of the region and the type of apple being grown. Some apple varieties may ripen earlier or later in the year.

Apples come in many different varieties, each with its own taste, texture and nutrient profile. Many varieties are great in both raw and cooked applications, while some should only be enjoyed raw as they don’t hold their shape once they’re cooked.

There are roughly 2,500 types of apples in the United States alone, and possibly 30,000 varieties around the world.

Below are some of the most common varieties of apples:

Honeycrisp: A favorite variety, Honeycrisp apples are crisp, juicy, sweet and fragrant. They’re the perfect snack or addition to salads, and they’re wonderful in baking and sauces as well.

Granny Smith: Known for their extreme tartness, Granny Smith apples are one of the most popular green apple varieties. They are a classic baking apple as their firm flesh holds up well in pies, tarts, and crumbles.

Gala: With a delicate sweetness, floral notes and satisfying crunch, Gala apples are ideal for snacking and salads. They’re also great for baking and applesauce.

Fuji: Known for their juicy crunch and super sweet flavor, Fuji apples make a delicious snack, and they also hold up well in baking.

Golden Delicious: As the name suggests, these apples have a golden mellow hue. They’re sweet with the mild flavor of honey. They’re great enjoyed raw, and are also excellent for pies, sauces, and baking.

McIntosh: McIntosh apples are round and crisp with a tart, tangy flavor and hint of sweetness. They’re ideal raw, or in cider or juice, or cooked in applesauce and apple butter.

Red Delicious: These apples are deep red with elongated shape. They’re crisp and sweet, and are best eaten fresh as a snack or in salads.

Pink Lady: Also known as Cripps Pink, these apples are crisp and juicy, super sweet with a mild tartness, and are perfect raw, cooked or baked.

Braeburn: With a sweet-tart flavor with pear and spice undertones, Braeburn apples are very versatile and can be used for baking, cooking or snacking.

Jonagold: Jonagold apples are a delicious blend of tart, sweet flavor with honey undertones. These apples are excellent for baking, cooking, and eating fresh.

Empire: Empire apples are crisp and juicy, and are a wonderful blend of tartness and sweetness. They’re a great all purpose apple that’s great eaten raw, cooked in sauces or baked in pies and crisps.

Apple fruit is synonymous with health and wellness, often associated with the phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Apples offer a wealth of health benefits that make them a smart choice for almost any diet.

The crunchy, juicy fruit is packed with fiber, a nutrient vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Just a single apple can provide you with up to 20% of your daily fiber requirement.

Apples are also a rich source of vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties. This vitamin can help ward off common illnesses and strengthen your body’s natural defenses.

While there are a number of health benefits, one medium apple contains 24 grams of carbohydrates and 19 grams of sugar. If you’re following a low carb diet, be sure to talk to your doctor to be sure that apples are right for you.

Apples should be vibrant, smooth, and free from wrinkles or bruising. They should also feel firm and heavy for their size. If it yields easily under gentle pressure from your thumb, it’s probably overripe. On the contrary, if it’s too hard, it may be underripe and lack the flavor you’re after.

When it comes to storage, apples are best kept cool. The fruit drawer in your refrigerator is an ideal spot since apples tend to ripen faster at room temperature.