The Most Common Apple Varieties: A Guide to Popular Types of Apples

Apples are one of the most beloved and widely consumed fruits in the world. With their sweet and tangy flavor, crisp texture, and versatility in cooking, it's no wonder that they're so popular. However, not all apples are created equal. There are dozens of different varieties of apples, each with its own unique taste, texture, and appearance. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most common apple varieties and what makes them so special.

1. Gala Apples

Gala apples are a popular variety known for their sweet and juicy flavor. They have a distinctive yellow-orange skin with red stripes and are medium to large in size. Galas are great for snacking, baking, and cooking because they hold their shape well when heated. They're also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

A pile of fresh Gala apples

2. Granny Smith Apples

Granny Smith apples are another popular variety known for their tart and tangy flavor. They have a bright green skin and are medium to large in size. Granny Smiths are great for use in pies, sauces, and salads because their firm flesh holds up well during cooking. They're also high in fiber and low in sugar.

A fresh Granny Smith apple, cut in half

3. Honeycrisp Apples

Honeycrisp apples are a newer variety that has gained popularity in recent years. They have a sweet, crisp, and juicy flavor and a light red and yellow color. Honeycrisps are great for eating raw as a snack, but they're also good for making cider or juice. They're also high in antioxidants and fiber.

A single Honeycrisp apple against a white background

4. Red Delicious Apples

Red Delicious apples are a classic variety that has been around for over 100 years. They have a deep red skin and a mildly sweet flavor. Red Delicious apples are often used in salads and fruit plates because of their beautiful color, but they're not as popular for cooking or baking because they tend to become mealy when cooked. They're also high in fiber and vitamin C.

Several Red Delicious apples on a wooden table

5. Fuji Apples

Fuji apples are a Japanese variety that has become popular in the US in the last few decades. They have a very sweet and crunchy flavor and a pinkish-red skin with yellow-green highlights. Fujis are great for snacking or using in salads because they don't brown quickly after being cut. They're also a good source of fiber and vitamin C.

Two fresh Fuji apples against a white background

6. Pink Lady Apples

Pink Lady apples, also known as Cripps Pink, are a newer variety that was developed in Australia in the 1970s. They have a tart and slightly sweet flavor with a pinkish-red skin and yellow-green highlights. Pink Ladies are great for use in baking and cooking because they hold their shape well, but they're also tasty for snacking. They're also high in antioxidants and vitamin C.

A single Pink Lady apple against a white background

7. Braeburn Apples

Braeburn apples are a New Zealand variety known for their spicy-sweet flavor and firm texture. They have a striped red and green skin and are medium to large in size. Braeburns are great for use in pies and baked goods because their flesh holds up well during cooking. They're also high in antioxidants and fiber.

A single Braeburn apple against a white background

8. Jonagold Apples

Jonagold apples are a hybrid variety that is a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Jonathan apple. They have a sweet and tangy flavor with a red and yellow skin. Jonagolds are great for use in pies, sauces, and salads because their flesh holds up well during cooking. They're also high in fiber and vitamin C.

A single Jonagold apple against a white background

Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Red Delicious, Jonagold