Sep 24, 2007 / by admin

an apple a day

Apples_2

We’ve all (probably) heard the saying: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Yet, if you’ve taken a stroll through the apple area of the produce section lately, you’ve got to wonder which apple did the saying refer to, due to the plethora of types out there. Below is a quickie apple guide. Find out more on these types at the Dole website, www.tooter4kids.com, and www.professorshouse.com.

Red Delicious: signature of American apple industry. deep red color. taller, thinner. grown large. sweet, juicy. best for raw snacking. poor for baking. year-round availability. thick, bitter skin. strong flavor.
Golden Delicious: slightly elongated. sweeter, juicy. great for snacking, cooking, baking. September to June availability. thin, tender skin. rounder, fat shape. rich, mellow flavor. considered the preferred "all purpose" cooking apple, because they retain their shape and taste rich when baked or cooked. also are considered the best apple choice for cider.
Red Rome (Rome Beauty): named for an apple-growing area in Ohio, not Italy. slightly tart. best for baking. October to August availability. round, plump. brilliant red color. flesh has a greenish cast. thick skin. ideal for baking, making cider. flavor enhances with some sugar or honey.
Winesap: wine-like, mildly tart, spicy flavor. aromatic. tend to be smaller, round. very deep red color. ideal for cider, sauces, baking. November to July availability.
Granny Smith: mildly tart, slightly sweet, crisp. best for snacking. good for baking. year-round availability. green in color. surprisingly durable—hold up well under shipping and can sit in cold storage for half a year without going bad. great for applesauce. tangy flavor comes through when baked and sauteed.
McIntosh: two-toned red and green color. all-purpose apple. September to June availability. cross-bred with other types to make: Cortland, Empire, Spartan. round shape. white flesh. spicy, aromatic flavor. juicy.
Jonathan: deep red color. mildly tart, rich flavor. great all-purpose apple. September to August availability.
Gravenstein: round and reddish-green. thin skin. very juicy. tartly acidic. strong flavor. slightly sweet. reminiscent of white wine. great for baking. perfect for dry ciders.
Gala: golden, finely mottled with red. a cross between Golden Delicious and a New Zealand variety called a Kidd’s Orange Red. creamy yellow flesh. mild, sweet. good for snacking. not great for baking.
Braeburn: tart and sweet. aromatic, crisp, juicy.
Criterion (Candy Apple): very sweet, crisp, flavorful, juicy. excellent for snacking. okay for baking.
Elstar: intensely sweet, tangy. great for snacking, cooking.
Fuji: sweet, mild, crisp, juicy. excellent for snacking. tend to store well. good for cooking.
Jonagold: vividly sweet, tart. crisp, juicy flesh. tender skin. ideal for snacking. good for cooking, baking.
Newtown Pippin: tart, tangy-sweet, firm. superb for cooking, baking. good for snacking.