Apple Varieties & Characteristics
With over 7,500 cultivars, apples come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, flavors and textures. The most common apple varieties can be separated into three main categories based on their general taste profiles and uses - sweet, tart and dual-purpose. Here is an overview of some of the most popular types highlighted through pictures and descriptions:
Sweet Apples
Sweet apple cultivars have a higher sugar content and soft, delicate flesh. They are the most commonly eaten apples and preferred for snacking. Popular sweet varieties include:
Red Delicious - Well-known deep red colored skin, elongated shape, crisp and mildly sweet flavor.
Gala - Distinct yellow background with red striping. Very sweet, dense and aromatically fruity notes.
Fuji - Speckled reddish-pink over yellow. Crisp texture, very sweet and rich taste.
Tart Apples
Tart apples have bright, acidic flavor profiles. They hold their shape well when cooked making them ideal baking apples. Some common tart varieties are:
Granny Smith - Shiny bright green skin. Known for its signature tart, crisp bite and pronounced juicy sourness.
Pink Lady® (Cripps Pink) - Yellow-green base with pinkish-red blush. Sweet yet tangy character.
Braeburn - Reddish-orange hue over pale green background. Crisp and very tangy balanced with subtle sweetness.
Dual-Purpose Apples
As their name suggests, dual-purpose apples work equally well for cooking down into sauces or baking pies as they do for eating raw. Some top dual-purpose varieties are:
Honeycrisp - Bright striped red coat over soft yellow background. Tremendously juicy with balanced sweet-tart kick.
Jonagold - Color varies widely from red-speckled golden through deep crimson. Distinct honey-like aroma and crisp, juicy flesh.
Macoun - Dark burgundy red skin. Soft and exceptionally sweet rich flavor some describe as spicy berry.
Nutrition & Health Benefits of Apples
Often called "nature's toothbrush" or "nutrition powerhouse", apples have long been associated with promoting vibrant health and warding off disease. Indeed, current research continues to confirm that regularly consuming apples (especially with skins intact) provides noteworthy protective substances.
Fiber Content
At around 4 grams of dietary fiber per medium fruit, apples rank as a high fiber food. This important indigestible carb feeds healthy gut bacteria and promotes good digestive function. Fiber also slows sugar absorption keeping you feeling full while fueling beneficial microbes.
Antioxidant Compounds
Apples possess polyphenol antioxidants like quercetin that combat skin aging free radicals to help maintain youthful skin integrity and elasticity. Other rich phytonutrients in apples exhibit antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer activities in studies.
Aid Weight Loss
The fiber and water volume of apples supports weight loss by curbing appetite and promoting satiety signals. Their nutrients also stabilize blood sugar levels preventing energy crashes and overeating later.
Control Cholesterol & Heart Health
Significant research demonstrates apples positively influence blood lipid profiles by lowering LDL levels and inhibiting LDL cholesterol oxidation implicated in clogged arteries. This cardio-protective effect also stems from other vascular benefits of antioxidants like decreased platelet clotting risk.
Selecting Fresh Apples & Proper Storage
Follow these helpful tips for picking flavorful fresh apples at peak ripeness and maximizing their shelf life:
Checking Ripeness
- Avoid bruised, punctured or wrinkling skin
- Rich natural base color for variety
- Slight pale green or yellowish background acceptable if uncut
- Firm flesh that crunches distinctly when punctured
- Noticeable sweet fruity aroma for warmer room
Ideal Storage Conditions
- Keep unwashed in vegetable tray of refrigerator
- Maintain 32-35° Fahrenheit temperature
- Use within 2-4 weeks for best quality
- Place away from ethylene gas emitting fruits like bananas/avocados
Signs Still Edible
- Surface wrinkling or softening
- More pale or deeper coloring
- Light superficial bruising
- Slight fermented scent
Cut away any severely damaged portions and eat remainder soon before excessive drying and browning occurs. Freezing sliced apples in sealed bags retains nutrition.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Apples
From sweet to savory preparations, apples shine through in all types of recipes:
Breakfast Ideas
- Yogurt or oatmeal topper
- Energy bar and smoothie mix-in
- Core slices baked with cinnamon and nut butter
- Pancake, crepe, muffin, coffee cake addition
Lunch & Dinner Recipes
- Tossed green or fruit salad ingredient
- Coleslaw, potato salad, pasta salad complement
- Cheese board item alongside crackers and nuts
- Pork chop, sausage, chicken stuffing flavor enhancer
- Quinoa side dish protein source
Sweet Treats
- Handheld snack with nut butter or cheese
- Baked into pies, cobblers, crumbles
- Layered or chopped into cakes or breads
- Simmered into jams, compotes, fruit leathers
- Juiced or blended into ciders, shakes, popsicles
Mix with complementary fruits like berry, stone fruit, tropical and let creativity guide additional pairings!
Potential Apple Allergy Symptoms
While uncommon, apple allergies can develop and trigger mild to severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Contact dermatitis from handling raw apples most frequently occurs. However, the following additional signs of apple fruit or pollen oral allergy syndrome may arise after consumption especially if birch pollen allergic:
- Itchy mouth, throat and lips
- Tongue swelling
- Roof of mouth tingling
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea
- Hives, skin reddening and rashes
- Runny nose, sneezing
- Sinus pressure, headaches
Life-threatening anaphylaxis is possible in highly allergic people exposed to concentrated apple proteins. Seek emergency care if breathing difficulty, dizziness or widespread swelling develops after eating apples.
FAQs
Can dogs eat apples?
Yes, dogs can eat apples in moderation. Be sure to remove seeds and core first, then slice or dice apples into bite-sized dog-safe pieces. Apples offer dogs fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
Do apples ripen after picking?
No, apples do not continue ripening once plucked from the tree. The starch converts to sugar while still on the branch, so apples should be left to fully develop into their mature sweetness before harvesting.
Is apple cider vinegar good for you?
Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar provides probiotics and acetic acid credited with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, evidence on potential health benefits for conditions like weight loss or diabetes remains limited to date.
Can apples be frozen?
Yes, apples maintain their nutrition and texture relatively well in the freezer. Blanch sliced apples briefly in boiling water, then cool, drain, pack into sealed bags and freeze for 8-12 months. Best used cooked thawed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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