Apples Come in Over 7,500 Varieties Worldwide

The humble apple is a staple of autumn activities and foods around the world. From visiting local orchards to making homemade applesauce, apples are an integral part of many seasonal traditions. But with over 7,500 varieties available globally, it's natural to wonder if some types of apples stand out from others.

One notable difference between apples is their color, ranging from deep red to bright green and various shades in between, including pink, russet, and yellow.

The nutritional profile of apples varies depending on their color, but not significantly when it comes to calories or carbohydrates. A medium-sized raw Gala apple, which is typically red, contains 98 calories and has a similar carbohydrate content to other varieties.

While all apples are rich in polyphenols, including anthocyanins, quercetin, flavanols, and flavonols, their flavor and texture can differ significantly from one another. For instance, Granny Smith apples are known for being tart, whereas Mutsu apples have a sweeter taste with less acidity.

The sweetness and tartness of apples can vary greatly depending on their variety. For instance, Cortland apples are known for being mild, sweet, and tart, while Macoun apples have a crisp texture and juicy flavor.

Red Delicious apples tend to be softer in texture than other varieties and have a sweet, mild taste. This is due in part to the fact that different apple varieties have distinct textures. Some apples may be crunchier or juicier than others, depending on their specific characteristics.

Many supermarkets carry a limited selection of red apple varieties, but they often don't stock the thousands of different types available. Instead, one can often find unique and heirloom varieties at local orchards, which grow a mix of popular and lesser-known apples depending on their location.

When it comes to enjoying fresh fruit, crisp and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp and Gala are ideal for snacking straight from the fridge. These types of apples have a perfect balance of flavors that make them hard to resist.

Some other popular options for eating raw include Empire and Red Delicious apples, which are also well-suited for this purpose. Meanwhile, Gala is particularly versatile and can be used in salads or as a side dish, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch.

Apples of different varieties can be used in various sweet baked treats. Soares suggests using Gala apples for an apple crisp with a crumb topping or baking them whole with butter and honey. Cortland apples are also suitable for whole baked apples.

The nutritional profiles of all apple varieties are similar, but their taste and texture differ significantly. Red apples tend to be sweeter, while green ones are generally more tart. Ultimately, the choice between red and green apples comes down to personal preference.