Seasonal Eats for Fall: Apple Varieties for Baking and Eating

Whether they’re coated in caramel, pressed into a cider, or baked into a delicious pie, there is no denying that apples are a staple for the fall season. At Foodtown, our produce aisles are stocked with a colorful array of apples. Many of our supermarkets even offer locally grown options! While all varieties are certainly delicious, it can be overwhelming to distinguish which are best for baking and which are best to be eaten as is. Whether you’re shopping to prepare for fall baking or simply stocking up on this favorite lunchtime snack, here’s everything you need to know about fall apple varieties.

Which Apples are Harvested in the Fall?

The tri-state region is home to many apple orchards, making Foodtown’s selection among the best. During your next visit to your nearest Foodtown grocery store, keep an eye out for the following seasonal varieties, which are extra flavorful at this time of year:

Apple Variety Color Flavor Texture
Fuji Mostly red with some green spots Sweet-tart Crisp and crunchy
Gala Speckled with
red-orange and yellow		 Slight floral sweetness Thin skin and crisp flesh
Golden Delicious Yellow-green with
darker green specs		 Sweet Tender skin and with slightly crisp bite
Granny Smith Bright green Tart and tangy Firm skin and crisp flesh
Red Delicious Bright red Slightly bitter skin with
mildly sweet flesh		 Crisp bite with a soft flesh
McIntosh Bright red with spots of bright green Sweet-tart Tender skin and flesh
Cripps Pink (Pink Lady) Red with blush pink
spots		 Sweet-tart Firm flesh with a crisp skin
Honeycrisp Streaked with pink-red and yellow-green Very sweet Crisp and juicy

Best Apples for Baking

When it comes to choosing the best baking apple, texture and flavor are key. Whether you’re whipping up an apple crisp or pie, you want a variety that offers a firmness that will hold up in the oven, as well as a balanced sweet-tart flavor that will pop among other ingredients. When baking, opt for:

  • Granny Smith
  • Gala
  • Fuji
  • Cripps Pink

Best Apples for Sauces

If you’re making applesauce, chutney, or apple butter, look for those that offer a more tender flesh and sweetness. Juicy apples are also ideal, which offer more liquid, making for extra flavorful results. For these kinds of recipes, reach for:

  • McIntosh
  • Honeycrisp
  • Cripps Pink
  • Golden Delicious

Best Apples for Eating Raw

When eating apples straight from your hand, it really comes down to preference! If you enjoy a tart flavor, reach for a variety such as granny smith. If you prefer sweeter notes, choose honey crisp or pink lady. If you’re packing lunch or looking for a travel-friendly option, choose those with a firmer skin, such as:

  • Pink Lady
  • Granny Smith
  • Fuji

At Foodtown supermarkets, you’ll find a large selection of apples for your enjoyment. Between our impressive prices and the savings found in our Weekly Circular, you’ll have no problem stocking up for fall baking and snacking.