Choosing the Right Apple For Recipes

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world. While some apples are excellent for cooking, others are best eaten raw. The apples are delicious and healthy, and they are tasty in pies, muffins, cakes and apples are a great addition to salads.

Always buy organic apples whenever possible, because some apples can be sprayed with 30 different pesticides. Apples are number 5 in 2021 dirty dozen guide.

 

How do you tell a good apple from a bad one?

When picking apples from the tree or the market, look for one that is firm, brightly coloured and somewhat heavy. The heaviness means juiciness because of maximum water retention. Overripe apples will feel soft and shrunken. And while they may be fine for making apple sauce, they will not be as good for baking.

What is the best way to store apples?

For the longest storage keep apples in the refrigerator to slow down their natural ripening process and discourage mold growth. Properly stored apples will stay crisp and juicy for months.

How do you keep apples from browning?

After cutting the apples place them in cold water with ¼ cup lemon juice and two teaspoons of vinegar (I use apple cider vinegar). Another option you can toss them in sugar or syrup.

 

What makes an apple good for cooking?

Apples high in acid such as Granny Smith or Braeburn are best for cooking because they keep their shape in pies and crisps. Acids enhance the perception of other flavours and retain more flavour.

Any apple can be used for making applesauce especially McIntosh, but crisp tart apples like Granny Smith make chunkier and looser sauce.

What is the best way to wash apples?

To wash conventional apples I use 3-part water to 1 part vinegar, or you can use a product specially formulated for cleaning produce. For organic apples, you simply wash them with clean, fresh water.

 

Choosing The Right Apple For Your Recipes

 

Braeburn – medium, crisp, juicy, sweet-tart. Best for baking whole, pie, and chunky sauces

Cortland – large, crisp, white flesh, resists browning, tart. Best for chunky sauces

Empire – large, juicy, crisp, sweet-tart, fragrant. Best for smooth sauce

Fuji – medium, firm, cream-coloured flesh, juice, tangy, sweet. Best for eating raw

Gala – medium, firm, juicy, sweet. Best for eating raw

Golden Delicious – medium, firm sweet, fragrant. Best for pie, cake, muffins and chunky sauces

Granny Smith – medium-large, crunchy, hard, juicy tart. Best for pie, muffins and very chunky sauce

Jonagold – large, crisp, juicy, sweet-tart, fragrant. Best for pie and cake

Macoun – medium, crisp, sweet, fragrant. Best for smooth sauce

McIntosh – medium, crisp, sweet, fragrant. Best for smooth sauce

Pink Lady – medium-large, creamy flesh, juicy, sweet, fragrant. Best for pie and muffins

Red Delicious – medium-large, elongated, crisp, sweet. Best for eating raw

Rome Beauty – large, firm, mildly tart, fragrant. Best for baking whole and muffins

 

For more information on cooking with apples please check out our gluten-free apple recipes.

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