There are few things more enticing than a smooth, sweet, succulent apple. They’re the symbol of temptation, and a symbol of inspiration. But what one person considers an ideal specimen might be very different from another’s perfect pomme. According to the U.S. Apple Association, there are over 2500 different varieties of apple grown in the United States—green ones, red ones, sweet ones, tart ones. There are apples that are good for cooking, and apples that are good for baking. Some apples make great sauce and some make great snacks.
But how’s the average consumer to know the differences between all those different varieties? Luckily, my coworkers were more than happy to try out some of the popular apples appearing in our supermarkets this season. We taste-tested six different varieties, and found that all apples are not created equal.
The Divine
Cameo
This variety took the top honors in our tasting. It was tart and tangy, with a firm flesh, and many tasters returned for a second (and third) slice. We couldn’t help but notice that not only were the Cameos delicious, they were also beautiful, with a gorgeous pink, dappled skin. The U.S. Apple Association recommends allowing a little extra time to cook when baking with Cameos, because of the density of their flesh. One great thing about these apples is that they don’t brown as quickly as other varieties do, making them excellent for salads and fruit trays.
Braeburn
The bakers in the crowd thought that this apple had the best baking potential. It had a complex, spicy quality to its flavor, and it was the tartest of all the apples we tried, which along with its firm texture would make it a standout in pies or apple pastries.
The Disappointing
Honeycrisp
This newish variety of apple, developed by the University of Minnesota, has become a predictable fixture in the produce section. Although it had a satisfying crispness, some tasters complained that it was “dingy,” “watery,” or “not as fresh tasting.” Aside from the intense texture, there wasn’t much flavor to this apple, as if it had been watered down. Some tasters likened it to the mild taste of a pear.
