Late Season Apples: The Best Varieties to Enjoy in Fall and Winter
As the leaves start to turn and the temperatures begin to drop, it's time to shift our focus to one of the best parts of fall and winter: late season apples. While we often associate apples with the beginning of autumn, there are plenty of delicious varieties that ripen later in the season and make for perfect snacks, pies, and cider. In this article, we'll explore some of the best late season apple varieties and why you should consider adding them to your grocery list.
The Appeal of Late Season Apples
While early season apples like Honeycrisp and Gala are certainly delicious, there's something special about late season apples that sets them apart. For one, they're often firmer and crisper than early season apples, which can sometimes be mealy or soft. Late season apples also tend to have a more complex flavor profile, with notes of sweetness, tartness, and spiciness all working together. Plus, since they ripen later in the year, they're a great way to extend the apple season well into the fall and winter months.
Top Late Season Apple Varieties
Now that we've established why late season apples are so great, let's take a look at some of the best varieties to try:
Fuji
Originally from Japan, Fujis have become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years thanks to their unique flavor and texture. They're crisp and juicy, with a satisfying crunch that makes them perfect for eating out of hand. Fujis are also quite sweet, with just a hint of tartness to balance things out.
Pink Lady
If you're looking for an apple with a little bit of everything, Pink Lady might be the perfect choice. They're sweet, but also tart, with a balanced flavor that's not too overwhelming. Plus, they have a beautiful pinkish-red color that looks great in pies and other baked goods.
Honeycrisp
We couldn't talk about apples without mentioning Honeycrisp, even though they technically ripen earlier in the season. That said, Honeycrisps do have a longer shelf life than many other early season apples, which means you can often find them well into the fall and winter months. They're incredibly juicy and have a satisfying crunch that makes them a fan favorite.
Rome
If you're planning to do some baking with your late season apples, you might want to consider Rome. These apples have a firm flesh that holds up well when cooked, making them ideal for pies, tarts, and crisps. They're also slightly tart, which helps balance out the sweetness of baked goods.
How to Choose and Store Late Season Apples
When it comes to selecting late season apples, you'll want to look for ones that are free of bruises, blemishes, and soft spots. Generally speaking, the skin of the apple should be smooth and shiny. If you're planning to eat the apples raw, you might prefer a sweeter variety like Fuji or Pink Lady. On the other hand, if you're planning to bake with them, you might opt for a tart variety like Rome.
When it comes to storing late season apples, you'll want to keep them in a cool, dry place like a pantry. Don't store them in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can cause the texture to break down over time. If you do need to store them in the fridge, be sure to keep them in a plastic bag with small air holes to help maintain their freshness.
Whether you're an apple aficionado or just someone who enjoys a good snack, late season apples are definitely worth exploring. With their complex flavors, satisfying textures, and gorgeous colors, these apples are the perfect way to add some variety to your fall and winter diet. So the next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to check out some of the amazing late season apple varieties available!
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