If you love apples, you probably have an opinion on which types of apples are your favorite. While all apples are wonderful in their own way, some are more suited to eating out of hand than others, while others are better to use in cooking or baking.
If you’re new to apples and want to learn about them, you need to understand that there are over 7,500 types of apples, but only about 2,500 are grown commercially in the United States. This article takes you through the most popular types that you can easily find at grocery stores around the country.
See Green Apple Benefits and Is Applesauce Good For You?
Common Types of Apples
1. Red Delicious Apple
First discovered in Iowa, red delicious apples are one of the most popular types of apples. They are characterized by their deep red color and sweet and juicy taste.
They are great for snacking but can also be used in recipes. When cooked, they retain their vibrant color but break easily. So they are not ideal for when you want them to keep their form. Consider using them in recipes like apple sauce, apple butter, or apple cake. You can also include them in your salads.
2. Granny Smith
A Granny Smith apple is a crisp, tart apple with bright green skin. It is one of the most popular varieties of apples and is often used in pies and other desserts.
The flesh of a Granny Smith apple is white or pale green and is firm and juicy. The flavor of a Granny Smith apple is tart and tangy, with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
3. Golden Delicious
Golden delicious apples have a bright yellow skin and are slightly flattened at the top and bottom. They have crisp, juicy and buttery flesh with a sweet taste. When cut open, their flesh is white or pale yellow. This apple is best for homemade cider or apple juice.
Their sweet taste also pairs well with savory dishes. However, they break easily when baked, so use them 
Pink Lady apples are a favorite among apple lovers. They are originally from Australia and were first introduced to the U.S. in the 1970s.
The Pink Lady apple is known for its crisp texture and sweetness. They are perfect for snacking, baking, or even as a topping on your favorite salad. This is because they don’t brown easily like some other varieties.
They have pinkish-red skin with white flesh. When sliced, their flesh is creamy white to light pink. They can be found at most grocery stores year-round, but their peak season is from October through April.
5. McIntosh
McIntosh apples are well known and enjoyed worldwide, but they were first discovered in an Ontario bush. That’s why they are considered a national fruit in Canada.
They have bright red skin with green patches and white tender flesh with a tangy taste. This apple breaks easily when baked, so they are not ideal for most cooking recipes. Their softness, however, makes them ideal for apple sauce recipes. They ripen in late September and can be found through may
6. Honeycrisp
This apple was first developed at the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station’s Research Center through cross-pollination of honey-gold apple and Macoun apple.
Honeycrisp is best known for its crispiness and juiciness. One of the best characteristics of this apple is that it keeps its aromantic texture and crunchiness for as long as seven months.
In terms of appearance, they have a red-orange flush on a light green/yellow background. And for the taste, they are sweet and crunchy with a firmness that makes them suitable for many recipes, including any dessert you can think of.
They are available all year round, but their pick is from September to November.
7. Fuji
This type of apple is named after Mount Fuji in Japan, where it was first grown. The Fuji apple is a cross between two other types of apples, the Red Delicious and the Virginia Ralls Genet.
The Fuji apple was introduced to the United States in 1962. This type of apple is considered to be one of the sweeter types of apples with a lower acidity level.
Fuji apples are slightly larger than your average apple and have red and green skin. The flesh of the fuji apple is white and crisp. They are sweet and have a slightly floral taste to them. Fuji apples are perfect for snacking on or using in recipes, including baking because they can retain their firmness.
You can also use them as a healthy dessert topping. This apple can be stored for a very long period (up to one year) when stored properly. They are likely to hit the shelves in November or December.
8. Gala
Originally developed in New Zealand and released in the early 80s, Gala apples have grown in popularity throughout the decades, and are now one of the most popular apple varieties in both America and New Zealand.
These red and yellow-fleshed apples with red stripes are sweet, crisp, juicy, and tender, with just the right amount of tartness to balance out their natural sweetness.
They are good for snacking and making applesauce, salad toppings, or pressing into cider. They are not good for recipes that require them to maintain their shape, as they tend to get watery and mushy.
9. Empire
Empire apples were first developed in New York in the 1960s. They are a cross between two other popular apple varieties, the sweet Red Delicious and the tangy McIntosh.
The result is a crisp, juicy apple with intense maroon-red color, light green blush, and a slightly tart flavor. Empires are one of the most popular types of apples in the United States and are grown in many parts of the country. In some areas, they are the dominant type of apple grown.
You can enjoy them raw or in cooking, including baking, because they can hold their shape through heat. They can easily be found year-round, but their pick season is in September.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Apples
Eating apples can provide numerous health benefits, many of which don’t get as much attention as they deserve. In fact, apples are loaded with several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K; copper; fiber; manganese; and potassium, which are all essential nutrients for good health.
They also contain antioxidants that help protect your cells from the harmful effects of free radicals that lead to cancer and aging.
Apples improve digestion
If you’re struggling with digestive issues, apples may be able to help. The high fiber content in apples can help promote regularity and prevent constipation, while the pectin can work as a prebiotic to feed the good bacteria in your gut.
Additionally, apples contain enzymes that help break down food and reduce bloating. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve stomach pain and ulcers.
Reduces cancer risk
Eating apples has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancer types, including colon and breast cancer. One study found that women who ate at least one apple a day had a 32% lower risk of colon cancer.
Another study found that men who ate 3 or more apples a week had a 19% lower risk of developing lung cancer. The natural antioxidants in apples can help fight off free radicals, which are molecules responsible for aging and disease.
Great for skin
One of the most popular health benefits of eating apples is that they’re great for your skin. That’s because apples are loaded with fiber and vitamins A and C, which are all essential for maintaining healthy skin. They also contain antioxidants to help fight off free radicals that cause damage to cells and lead to premature aging.
The high water content in apples helps hydrate the skin and prevent dehydration which can lead to wrinkles. Apples can also be used as a natural facial scrub when mixed with honey or sugar by rubbing it on your face and gently exfoliating it in circular motions.
Lowers cholesterol
When it comes to reducing cholesterol levels, apples are true superstars. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, participants who ate three apples a day for six weeks saw significant reductions in their total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
It’s also important to note that eating apples didn’t affect HDL (good) cholesterol levels or triglycerides. The fiber content in an apple is one reason it can lower cholesterol levels. High fiber foods have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 10%. So, you could say apples help keep arteries clear.
Boost weight loss efforts
One of the health benefits of eating apples is that they can help boost your weight loss efforts. This is because apples are low in calories and high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full longer.
Additionally, the antioxidants in apples can help increase your metabolism and reduce fat storage. In one study, people who ate an apple before a meal consumed fewer calories overall. So if you’re looking to boost your weight loss efforts, reach for an apple the next time you’re feeling hungry.
Prevents diabetes
Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to a host of other health problems. But there’s good news: eating apples can help prevent diabetes. That’s because apples are high in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, apples contain polyphenols, which have been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Improves eyesight
It turns out that there are a number of reasons why eating apples can improve your eyesight. For one, apples are a good source of vitamin C and A, which are important for eye health.
Additionally, apples contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to protect against age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. Furthermore, apples can help improve night vision and reduce the risk of cataracts. So if you want to keep your eyes healthy, make sure to eat plenty of apples!
Strengthens immunity
One of the top health benefits of eating apples is that it strengthens your immunity. Apples are a good source of vitamin C, which is an important nutrient for immune system function.
They also contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. Furthermore, apples contain quercetin, a type of flavonoid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Lastly, apples promote a healthy gut microbiota, which is essential for a strong immune system.
Boost energy levels
One of the main health benefits of eating apples is that they can help boost your energy levels. This is because apples are a good source of natural sugars and fiber.
The sugars in apples can give you a quick burst of energy, while the fiber can help you feel fuller for longer and prevent crashes later on.
In addition, apples contain vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. So, if you’re looking for a healthy snack that will give you a little boost, reach for an apple!
Promote heart health
Eating apples has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. This may be due to the soluble fiber content in apples, which can help reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, the polyphenols in apples have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, both of which are beneficial for heart health.
The high concentration of Vitamin C also promotes collagen production, which strengthens blood vessels and improves circulation. As an added bonus, eating an apple is also a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without consuming any refined sugar or empty calories!
Apple Recipes
- Apple Pie Filling
- Vegan Apple Breakfast Cake
- Apple Pie With Crumb Topping
- Gluten-Free Apple Muffins
- Instant Pot Apple Cake
- Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Crisp
- Apple Pie Smoothie
Other Fruits To Try
- Durian
- Longan
- Starfruit
- Langsat
- Egg Fruit (Canistel)
- Papaya
- Guinep (Mamoncillo)
- Sweet Sop
- Star Apple (Caimito)
Final Thoughts
Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Easy to transport and store, apples are available year-round and provide a juicy burst of delicious flavor that’s hard to resist. But what you may not know is that there are dozens of different types of apples, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and versatility.
This makes it important to understand the common varieties and how you can better incorporate them into your daily diet. I say daily because apples are quite nutritious and can benefit your health if consumed regularly. From aiding weight loss to fighting cancer to boosting healthy skin, apple has it all. So make this amazing fruit a part of your daily diet.
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