So you like Red Delicious

Do you love Red Delicious? This popular variety is available in supermarkets year round. ¶ 

But, is it really the best? With so many other varieties, are you sure that there isn't one you haven't tried that you would like even more? ¶ 

Probably, you know what you don't like: apples too tart or bold or hard or weird, mealy apples, apples you'd regret eating. A shame, though, to let fear of bad apples keep you from exploring this wonderful fruit.

May I help?

I've picked out a few varieties I think you might like, maybe even love. They have some of the best qualities of Red Delicious and a few admirable ones of their own.

Most of these apples aren't available in supermarkets all year. In season, however, they are wonderfully fresh, crisp, and juicy--and very close to the Delicious comfort zone.

Towards the end of August, light crisp Gingergold offers a simple fresh summer treat. Gingergold is not really much like Red Delicious, but it offers some of the same easy rewards.

Mollie's Delicious

On the other hand, Mollie's Delicious, available starting in late August, might be Delicious's close cousin (though despite the name it is no relation). It keeps promises that the Red One makes and, sadly, often fails to deliver.

Mollie's is a mild, sweet, crisp apple with great texture, lots of juice, and even flavors.

Spartan

In September, look for Dayton, a pretty red apple apple with a hint of sweet cider and blossoms. Also that month and into October, try light Mutsu (they are huge, but easy to eat), and the ever-popular Honeycrisp. You may just find a new favorite.

One thing I should like to introduce to all my Red Delicious–eating friends: the authentic vinous flavors of real New England apples.

Empire

Perhaps McIntosh and Macoun are too much for you, but I urge you to try, say, a Spartan in September or an Empire in October or later. (Empire keeps very well and is usually for sale through May in the Northeast.)

These are wonderful varieties, crisp and sweet but with hints of the berries and wine that mark their McIntosh parent. Empire is also half Red Delicious, so you should feel right at home.

Enterprise

Some general seasonal advice is in order. Any variety will be tart if picked too young. Avoid this by patiently spurning the early harvest. No September Empires or early Gingergolds, for instance!

Late in the season, if the above varieties have whet your appetite, you might try Enterprise, a bit farther from the Red Delicious gravitational field but still mild and pleasant and a quite attractive red.

Of the supermarket apples available in the off-season, besides Red Delicious's ubiquitous self, consider juicy Fuji and Red D's own offspring, Sonya.

Ambrosia

Ambrosia, sold in the winter in North America, also has some delicate qualities that, I think, a Red Delicious aficionado would particularly enjoy.

I hope this gives you the confidence to broaden your horizons this year!

I've really tried to select varieties you would like, but of course the final word is yours. Let me know how it goes.