Bobbing for the Best Apples!

Fall has officially begun! And for me, nothing screams fall more than apples! They show up in lunchboxes, pies, ciders, sauces—you name it. And with thousands of varieties grown all over the world, there’s truly an apple for every mood and every recipe. The tricky part? Figuring out which one to grab at the store or farmers market. 

With over 7,500 varieties grown around the world (yes, you read that right), apples come in just about every flavor, color, and texture you can imagine. That means picking the “right” apple can feel like a mini adventure—or honestly, a little overwhelming. But once you know a few of the basics, it’s easy (and kind of fun) to match your apple to whatever you’re craving—whether that’s a crunchy snack, a freshly baked pie, or a delicious cider drink (make it adult style for me!).

Let’s start with the Granny Smith. Bright green, super tangy and crisp, these apples bring the zing. They’re amazing in pies and pair perfectly with sharp cheeses if you’re feeling fancy.

If you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, Honeycrisp is your best friend (I know it’s mine). With their juicy crunch and honey-like flavor, they’re practically nature’s candy. Bonus: their pretty red-and-gold speckled skin makes them look as good as they taste. 

Next, you’ve got Gala apples. These are mild, fragrant, and juicy, with a streaky red, gold glow. They’re perfect for snacking straight from the fruit bowl or tossing into a salad for a pop of sweetness. 

Then there’s Fuji, straight from Japan. Crisp, sugary-sweet, and ridiculously juicy, Fujis are the ones you reach for when you want dessert pretending to be a fruit.

For something a little more in the middle, McIntosh apples are a nice balance between tart and sweet. Their softness makes them perfect for applesauce or cider.

And don’t think apples only come in red or green—yellow apples deserve the spotlight too! Golden Delicious apples have a sweet, mellow flavor and tender texture that works just as well in pies as it does straight out of the fruit basket. 

If you’re lucky enough to spot an Opal apple, grab it (I truly had never even heard of opal apples before this!)—they’re sunny yellow, crisp, and sweet with a little touch of tanginess. Plus, they don’t brown quickly, which makes them a lifesaver for lunchboxes and salad bowls (I will 100% be on the lookout for that reason alone!).

At the end of the day, each variety of apple has its own quirks, whether it’s Honeycrisp’s candy-like crunch or Granny Smith’s bold tang. So next time you’re at the orchard or grocery store, skip the “grab whatever looks good” routine and have some fun with it. Try a new variety, do a taste test, or mix and match for baking. You might just find a new favorite!