Pennsylvania is the fourth largest apple producer in the country with hundreds of different varieties grown in the state and within Pennsylvania, Berks County is one of the top five apple producing counties. We are fortunate to live a mile away from a four-generation family farm, Weavers’ Orchard–a great place for fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year.

In general, apples for eating fresh have a high sugar content and some of the apples such as Cortland resist browning, which makes it a good choice for salads. Apples that are best for baking and cooking have a lower sugar content than the eating apples and are usually more tart.

Good Apples for Eating Fresh

• Braeburn, Cameo, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonathan, Jonagold, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Stayman

Good Apples for Baking

•   Granny Smith, Jonathan, Rome, Stayman

Good Apples for Pies

• Crispin, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Rome, Stayman

Good Apples for Sauce

• Cortland, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, McIntosh

Good Apples for Salads and Fruit Trays

• Cameo, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Stayman

Typical Apple Varieties Available in Pennsylvania During the Fall and Winter

These apple varieties are available now in the local orchards and markets. Next season’s apples will start appearing in August. More information on Pennsylvania apples can be found at Pennsylvania Apples.

Braeburn

• Flavor: Sweet/tart, juicy, firm
• Color: Yellow with red stripes or blush
• Texture: Firm
• Best Uses: Snacking

Cameo

• Flavor: Sweet/tart
• Color: Red with green
• Texture: Firm and resists browning
• Best Uses: Snacking, salads

Crispin

• Flavor: Sweet
• Color: Green-yellow
• Texture: Firm
• Best Uses: Snacking, salads

Fuji

• Flavor: Sweet/spicy, juicy
• Color: Red blush, yellow stripes, green
• Texture: Crisp
• Best Uses: Snacking, salads

Gala

• Flavor: Sweet
• Color: red-orange, yellow stripes
• Texture: Crisp
• Best Uses: Snacking, salads, sauce

Golden Delicious

 

• Flavor: Sweet
• Color: Yellow-green
• Texture: Crisp
• Best uses: Snacking, salads, sauce, pies

Jonagold

• Flavor: Sweet/tart
• Color: Red with yellow
• Texture: Crisp
• Best Uses: Snacking, salads, sauce

Macoun

• Flavor: Sweet
• Color: Red and green
• Texture: Firm
• Best Uses: Eating, sauce, salad

McIntosh

• Flavor: Tangy
• Color: Red and green
• Texture: Tender
• Best Uses: Snacking, sauce, pies

Pink Lady

 

• Flavor: Sweet, tart
• Color: Pink with very white flesh
• Texture: Crisp
• Best uses: Snacking, Salads, Pies, Baking

Red Delicious

• Flavor: Sweet
• Color: Striped to solid red
• Texture: Crisp
• Best Uses: Snacking, salads

Rome

• Flavor: Sweet
• Color: Deep solid red
• Texture: Firm
• Best Uses: Sauce, baking, pies

Stayman (Winesap)

• Flavor: Sweet, tart, juicy
• Color: Crimson
• Texture: Firm
• Best Uses: Snacking, salads, pies, sauce, baking

Pennsylvania Apples Fun Facts

• One large apple contains no fat, no cholesterol, no sodium and only 130 calories.
• Apples are an excellent source of fiber.
• Apples contain Boron, a mineral that helps children’s bodies use calcium and keeps brain function active and alert.
• Two-thirds of the fiber and many of the antioxidants are found in an apple’s peel.
• One serving of 100% apple juice counts as a fruit serving.
• Eating a fresh apple will cleanse your mouth or more than 95% of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• There are over 10,000 known varieties of apples grown throughout the world (3,000 in the United States).
• The first American apple orchard was planted around 1625 by William Blackstone on Boston’s Beacon Hill.
• Pennsylvania grows approximately 11 million bushels of apples each year.
• Well known apple orchardists include George Washington and Thomas Jefferson

Grab an apple and enjoy!