Read on for my five favorite apples and how to use them! Spoiler alert- each snack perfectly with peanut butter.
Jonagold
Jonagold is an American apple known for its multitude of uses; because it’s a hybrid between Golden Delicious and the Jonathan. Due to its adaptable character, a Jonagold apple can be used in many diverse ways. For example, it can be baked into pies and cobblers, added to fall harvest salads, made into apple cider, and eaten fresh for a quick burst of energy. Jonagold apples are usually large with a tangy, sweet, honey-like flavor and a pleasantly crispy texture.
Granny Smith
Hailing from Australia, Granny Smith apples are a fan favorite apple for millions of people around the world. It’s easily recognizable by its uniform green color and tart, acidic flavor. Its mouth-watering sharpness makes Granny Smith a natural choice for snacking with something sweet or savory, and baking (like your Chef V’s signature apple pie). Granny Smith’s most prominent tart characteristic typically means you either love it or you hate it- with no in between.
Honeycrisp
The Honeycrisp apple has arguably the most fascinating history out of all apples. When it was first bred on the east coast of the US in the mid-70s, it was rejected due to concerns over its resiliency in the winter. Just a few years later, it was picked back up and improved. Since then, apple fanatics haven’t looked back. Honeycrisp (as its name suggests) is crisp and crunchy in texture and balanced in its sweetness and acidity. Many have called it the “perfect” apple. This is why people are willing to pay up to three times more for Honeycrisp apples than for other apples. Honeycrisp’s juiciness makes it an ideal and satiating snack.
Pink Lady®
Initially grown in Australia, Pink Lady® was one of the first apples to be marketed under a specific brand rather than as its variety. It’s actual variety name is Cripps Pink. Thus, the growing and selling of Pink Lady® is tightly controlled for quality purposes. Because of this, you can always expect Pink Lady® apples to be uniform in taste and color. Pink Lady® apples are crunchy, crispy, and with just the right amount of tart and sweetness. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Pink Lady® apple is the fizziness that accompanies each bite. This fizziness means that Pink Lady® apples are perfect for a fresh stand-alone snack, in salads, and made into applesauce.
CrimsonCrisp
CrimsonCrisp, originally known as Co-op 39, was developed in the midwestern region of the US and released to the public in 2005. True to its name, CrimsonCrisp apples are a deep crimson color, just shy of purple. There are hints of melon, orange, and spice that make for a very distinct flavor. The flesh is firm, dense, juicy, and fine-grained. CrimsonCrisp is an apple that is slow to brown, making it a flawless addition to a salad or a sandwich.
Leave a Reply