The Top 10 Apple Varieties: Choose the Perfect for Yourself

There is a certain mystique to apples, isn’t it? Whether you have it as a smoothie, juice or as is, the subtle sweetness will have you reaching for more. While it is often called a winter fruit; several types of apples can be found year-round. Heading to the supermarket any day of the week will have you facefront with a massive produce of fresh apple varieties; all lush and ripe to pick.

Now, when you are faced with such a predicament, which ones do you go for, Honey Crisp or the Kashmir apple? With this holistic guide on types of apples in India, you wouldn’t have to resort to a gamble and make an informed choice for every occasion.

Top 10 Apple Varieties

Apple is a common fruit. We are familiar with its tastes and ways to use it in our daily meals. But were you aware that there is more than just one variety of this fruit? Here’s a detailed account of the different kinds of apples you may come across while fruit shopping:

1. Fuji

Fuji apples are a cross between two types of apples: red delicious and Ralls Janet. They are distinguished by their red-pink colour, which features streaks of yellow-green. The fruit can be categorised as a dessert apple as it is sweet and crisp in texture. Moreover, it has a relatively semi-thick skin and dense flesh that make it practical for household use. 

2. Gala

Widely available amongst this apple varieties list, is the Gala apple. One way to identify them is to look for a round-shaped, vibrant fruit covered in red and yellow patches. Compared to Fuji apples, these are thin-skinned and mildly aromatic with juicy flesh. The taste of Gala apples may range anywhere from a mild sweet base to a tart flavour that makes it a treat to be had fresh.

3. Honeycrisp

Between the last two and Honey Crisp, it’s easy to identify these types of apples. Honey crisps can range in size from medium to large, with bright red-orange skin and a yellow-green base. Its skin is relatively thin with a soft flesh, that offers a light crispiness when eaten.

4. Kashmir Apple

We are well aware of the popularity of Kashmir apples. These types of apples are widely favoured in India. And why not? They are a delicacy to be had as is. Kashmir apples feature a semi-thick skin with juicy flesh. They are sweet to taste with hints of tartness to complement the flavours of the apple.

5. Shimla apples

Another type of apples originating in India are the Shimla apples. They feature bright red skin with hints of beautiful yellow and green in contrast. Similar to Kashmir apples, they are juicy with a slightly better crunch. Its signature apple aroma and sweet-tart nature allow it to be a valuable addition to desserts.

6. Jonagold

Since the name might seem unfamiliar to you, the best way to understand the nature of this apple is that it’s a cross between Golden Delicious and Jonathan apples. Jonagold is a relatively large fruit that is mostly yellow in colour with touches of red. The apple thin can allow it to be eaten right out of hand without any fuss.

7. Mutsu

Another large fruit from this type of apple list is the Musu apple. It is substantial, juicy and crispy—all you need in a high-quality apple. The fruit may relay notes of honey with acidic tones that make it a treat for the senses. It can be your go-to pick for juices and smoothies.

8. Starking

The starking variety can be seen as a hybrid of the Red Delicious apple. It is a bright red fruit with a firm, crispy exterior. Starking apples are large in size with a pleasant taste that may contribute well to decorative purposes, apple sauces and fruit salads.

9. Granny Smith

If you’re a fan of green apples, then chances are you are more familiar with this fruit than the other apple’s names. Featuring the signature green, apple 'tart-sour flavour' is the Granny Smith. Its thick skin and crunchy flesh, paired with notes of acidity, make it a sought-after fruit.

10. Red Delicious

Through the journey of top apple varieties, we’ve heard the name Red Delicious pop up multiple times. Well, rightly so, since it has been used as a standard staple for generations. Compared to the others, Red Delicious has a relatively mild, sweet taste, with a crimson-red exterior that is easy to spot at your local mart. While people lean more towards the newer varieties, these types of apples can still be an excellent choice for fresh eating.

How to Choose the Right Apple?

Among these top apple varieties, here’s how to find the best one for your needs:

• Firstly, consider the taste profile of the dish. If you are aiming for tart pie, then Granny Smith apples are the way to go. However, if you need a sweeter option, then Fuji apples may help.
• Next, take into account the textures of the dish in general. Are you snacking, baking or making a salad bowl? If your dish requires a topping for baking, then apples such as Mutsu may work well. As for salads, a crisper selection like the Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala may be best suited.

There is no set code that you need to follow when choosing an apple. Hence, feel free to experiment with different varieties. Through this journey, we hope to have shed some insight into the different kinds of apples available to you and ways to pick them out from a bunch. So go ahead and grab a batch the next time you go apple picking. You never know; you may just find your new favourite among these various types of apples.