Recipes

9 Apple Varieties Worth Hunting Down

And you thought Fujis were exotic. From rare heirlooms to nouveau varieties, the apples at today's orchards are unusual—and unusually delicious
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Danny Kim

And you thought Fujis were exotic. From rare heirlooms to nouveau varieties, the apples at today's orchards are unusual—and unusually delicious. Seek out a new-to-you apple variety this fall at your local farmers' market, or order a selection from Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm.

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    Danny Kim
    1/9

    Esopus Spitzenberg

    The greatest-named apple of all time. This juicy, firm-fleshed variety originated in Esopus, NY, in the 1700s and was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson.
    Try it: In a cider blend
    Picked at Clarkdale Fruit Farms, Deerfield, MA

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    Danny Kim
    2/9

    Honeycrisp

    A supermarket phenomenon released by the University of Minnesota’s apple-breeding program in 1991.
    Try it: As an afternoon snack.
    Picked at Eckert’s, Belleville, IL

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    Danny Kim
    3/9

    Wickson

    Teeny and tart! Ciderists are obsessed.
    Try it: Baked.
    Picked at Poverty Lane Orchards, Lebanon, NH

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    Danny Kim
    4/9

    Arkansas Black

    Dark and mysterious on the outside, fine-grained and faintly sweet inside.
    Try it: After all the other varieties are gone; it's known as a hardy storage apple.
    Picked at Devoto Gardens & Orchards, Sebastopol, CA

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    Danny Kim
    5/9

    Ashmead’s Kernel

    The exterior is about as appealing as a burlap sack. Inside, it’s a Granny Smith turned up to 11.
    Try it: In a pie, or just take a bite!
    Picked at Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm, Eau Claire, MI

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    Danny Kim
    6/9

    Pink Pearl

    Surprise! A bite into this pale skin reveals vivid pink flesh.
    Try it: In its pure form—otherwise, you're kind of missing the point.
    Picked at Quednow’s Heirloom Apple Orchard, Elkhorn, WI

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    Danny Kim
    7/9

    Rubinette

    This petite Swiss apple packs a sweet, sharp punch.
    Try it: As is.
    Picked at: Hockinson Hill Orchard, Brush Prairie, WA

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    Danny Kim
    8/9

    Stayman Winesap

    Dusty crimson in color with a winelike flavor, this is an apple for adults.
    Try it: In a tart.
    Picked at Soergel Orchards, Wexford, PA

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    Danny Kim
    9/9

    Cox's Orange Pippin

    Beloved in the UK for its multidimensional flavor—like someone put a dozen types of citrus, melon, and tropical fruit in a blender, them formed it into an apple.
    Try it: On its own! It's is out of this world.
    Picked at Nichols Farm & Orchard, Marengo, IL

As BA’s former deputy editor Julia Kramer traveled the country, scouting the best new restaurants in America for the “BA Hot 10.” In January 2017, she oversaw the launch of our Healthyish vertical, while guiding overall editorial direction, including the ASME award–nominated BA Kitchen section of the magazine, which focuses ... Read More
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