There is nothing like a delicious piece of apple pie fresh from the oven'”warm, juicy, with the perfect combination of taste and texture. While following a tried and true recipe is important for a delicious apple pie, finding the right fruit is just as essential. But with so many types of apples on the market, deciding which ones to use in your apple pie can be quite a challenge. By following some basic tips, however, selecting apples for your next recipe will be a snap!
Jonathans/Jonagolds
Jonathans and Jonagolds are a traditional type of apple usually grown in the Midwest. Unlike other apples, which may be quite sweet, Jonathans and Jonagolds are a combination of sweet and tart, making them ideal for baking. Jonagolds, which are a combination of Jonathans and Golden Delicious, are often a popular choice for baking due to their firm flesh and delicious flavor.
Honeycrisps
Honeycrisps are a relatively young type of apple which was recently developed at the University of Minnesota. Like Jonathan apples, they are both sweet and tart, with a very firm flesh. This makes them ideal for recipes which require long baking periods, as they are likely to maintain their texture better than other varieties. It is important to be aware, however, that Honeycrisps are only available for a short period of time'”typically only a month or two in the fall. In addition, their rarity means that they can be quite pricey. In fact, they are often sold for twice the price of other, more traditional apples.
Granny Smith
Granny Smith apples are the ideal choice for individuals who prefer a tart pie. Like Honey crisps, Granny Smith apples have a very firm flesh, and can stand up quite well to long periods of baking. It has become popular to pair Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples in pies or crisps'”the combination of sweet and tart is to die for!
Recommended reading: Best Apple Peelers
Melrose
Melrose apples are a unique species that are typically grown in Ohio. The Melrose is a combination of the Jonathan and the Red Delicious, making it quite similar to the Jonagold apple. While Melrose apples are typically harvested near the end of October, they are often not consumed for several more weeks. Unlike other apples, which may rot soon after being harvested, Melrose apples improve dramatically in both flavor and texture after being taken from the tree.
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