Adam's Apples

Crisp, reliable Fuji was Honeycrisp before there was Honeycrisp.  ¶  Fuji's development in Japan was interrupted by World War II, and the apple was not released until 1962.  ¶  Today it is a mainstay, available in supermarkets year round. Fuji accounts for about 25% of US apple production , behind only Gala and Red Delicious. It's easy to understand the appeal of this crisp and delicately flavored apple. Some Fuji fans would never eat anything else. But my mission is to lure you out of the rut you may not know you are in. If you are curious, give these Fuji-adjacent apples a try.

This distinctive big green apple is named for the Australian farmer who discovered the variety growing in a trash heap.  ¶  Granny's fans are maverick lovers of tart in an ocean of sugary apples.  ¶  In person, the apple bears a good deal of offsetting sweetness alongside its citric tang. Lime, pear, and cane sugar balance together.

Do you like steady, mellow, and well flavored Golden Delicious ? This honeyed variety has enriched the world of apples as much or more than any. It is reliably consistent and easy to eat. It stores well and is available year round.  ¶  However, Golden Delicious is best during or after the October harvest. If you are eating Golden D in late summer or early fall, you really owe it to yourself to try some of the great varieties that are available fresh.

If you read this in September and are enjoying McIntosh, you are in good company. This quintessential New England apple, crisp, flavorful, and juicy with plenty of sugar and tart, is a classic.  ¶  But what do you eat in October or August? And what other apples might you like?  ¶  If you don't know, or would like to broaden your horizons, here are my suggestions.

Introduced in 1991, this sweet, crisp apple has taken the fruit world by storm.  ¶  If you read these words in September, now is your chance to enjoy Honeycrisp at peak.  ¶  But, may I interest you in some other crisp, sweet apples? Variety is the spice of life.  ¶  Besides, how do you know you like Honeycrisp best if you never try anything else?

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?