There are many different varieties of apples throughout the
year. We carry only the highest quality of apples that are firm, juicy, and crispy.
When buying apples, look for fruit that has a firm flesh, and that is free from
wrinkles, spots, or bruises. These are all signs of more mature apples, and as a
result the flavor tends to be mealier than other apples. To keep apples the longest,
the fruits should be kept as close to 32 degrees Fahrenheit without allowing the
apples to freeze. In addition, apples are classified into two categories, "cooking"
and "eating", with each category offering unique flavors. For instance, eating apples
are usually crisp and juicy with a sweet to sweet-tart complex flavor, and a fruity
aroma. On the other hand, cooking apples are less fragrant but firmer in texture
and tarter in flavor.
In autumn we sell a variety of Apples grown here locally
around Grandfather Mountain. All of the varieties listed below can be found in our
store during peak apple season, which is September through October.
Arkansas Black
This is a great apple to eat for those tart lovers. It has a firm, crunchy texture, and a juicy, golden flesh. Many apple lovers simply love to eat this antique variety, but it is equally well suited for making applesauce or cider. In addition, this apple can be kept for at least six months while the flavor increases with age.
Fuji
The Fuji is a sweet, crisp apple that is great for eating. It has a white, fine-grained flesh and it can also be used for pies and tarts. Fuji apples can be kept for at least six months. On a historical note, Fuji apples are indigenous to Japan, and it is a hybrid cross between a Ralls Janet and a Red Delicious. This apple was first introduced to the United States during the 1980's.
Gala
Similar to the Fuji in taste, the gala may have a darker shade of red and a softer texture. The Gala is usually sweeter than a Fuji, although some varieties are mildly tart. The Gala is actually a hybrid cross between a Golden Delicious and Kidd's Orange Red, where a Kidd's Orange Red is a hybrid cross between a Cox's Orange Pippin and a Red Delicious. Consequently, Galas have a unique texture and flavor because of its ancestors. Galas can also be used for eating, baking pies and tarts, or they are especially great for drying. Galas can be kept for at least three months.
Golden Delicious
One of the well-known classics, this apple cannot be beat for flavor. This is a great apple for cooking, despite most people's knowledge! For instance, often pie recipes call for Golden Delicious apples in addition to Granny Smiths because Golden Delicious keep a firm texture while cooking instead of a mushy texture that is common in many tart apples. Furthermore, Golden Delicious have a delightful aroma, and they are one of the most versatile of all apples because of their many uses: eating, baking pies and tarts, squeezed into cider, cooked in butter. Lastly, Golden Delicious apples can be kept for at least two months.
Granny Smith
Granny Smith apples are loved by many children and adults because of its almost sour flavor, and crisp, juicy texture. The apple has a white colored flesh, and it can be used for cooking, juicing, or baking. Also, it is a perfect compliment for a candied or caramel apple. Granny Smiths can be kept for at least six months.
Honey Crisp
A relatively new apple that contains a tangy, but sweet flavor, and a crispy texture that literally "explodes in your mouth". Scientists at the University of Minnesota first introduced Honey Crisp apples in 1991, and their exquisite taste and unique flesh contribute to their rapidly expanding popularity. Honey Crisp apples are hybrids crossed between Macoun and Honey Gold apples, where Macoun apples are hybrids crossed between McIntosh and Jersey Black apples. These apples can be kept for at least three months, and they are exceptionally well for simply eating, but they can also be used for fresh desserts.
Jonagold
Jonagold apples have a sweet-tart flavor with a crisp, juicy texture, and a yellow flesh. Jonagold apples are hybrid crosses between Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples, and therefore they are perfect for baking, eating, or juicing.
King Luscious
King Luscious is an apple that is very popular in western North Carolina, and it is known for its large size and unique flavor. This apple was originally discovered in Hendersonville, NC in 1935 where a man named William Dalton patented it. King Luscious apples are hybrid crosses between Stayman and Wolf River apples, and they can be kept for at least four months. As for flavor, King Luscious apples have a fine-grained, juicy texture, and a yellowish-white colored flesh. In addition, these apples are great for baking or cooking.
McIntosh
One of America's favorites, McIntosh apples are very fragrant and juicy, with a white colored flesh. Most people love to eat these small apples, but they are also excellent for making apple cider. Specifically, the tender flesh and mildly tart flavor make McIntosh apples perfect for juicing. On the other hand, expect to keep McIntosh apples for at most three months.
Mutsu
Mutsu apples, originally named Crispin, have become very popular in recent years because they are equally well suited for eating and cooking. Mutsu apples are hybrid crosses between Golden Delicious and Indo apples, and this new apple was invented in Japan. As a result of this hybridization, Mutsu apples are very tart and crunchy when they are first picked with a green skin. They are easily mistaken for Granny Smith apples at this stage of maturity. Ripe Mutsu apples are sweet with a softer texture, and look identical to a Golden Delicious. Mutsu apples keep for at least six months, and they can also be used for cider because of their neutral acid to sugar ratio.
Red Delicious
Red Delicious apples have become known as America's favorite apple, in fact, most people simply refer to this apple as Delicious. Red Delicious apples have a crisp, juicy texture, and a mildly tart flavor. They are great for eating, or making fresh apple cider. In addition, Red Delicious apples can be kept for at least six months, and they are easily found all year long.
Red Rome
Red Rome, otherwise known as Rome Beauty, is a wonderful apple for baking and cooking because it retains its shape, and the cooking process enhances the sweetness of this apple. Many people prefer to eat a Red Rome because of its mildly tart flavor. Furthermore, Red Rome apples can be dried for making delicious apple rings, and they can be kept for at least two months.
Stayman
Stayman apples, also known as Stayman-Winesap apples, originated as a seedling of the Winesap apple. This apple has a firm, juicy texture, a fragrant aroma, and a greenish yellow flesh along with a winy flavor. Stayman apples can be used for baking, squeezed into fresh cider, and they can be kept for at least two months.
Winesap
Virginia Beauty
Wolf River
A wonderful apple with a short lifespan, Wolf Rivers' are one of the best apples for drying, and many people love to use them for fresh applesauce and apple butter. Wolf River apples have a creamy white colored flesh, with a soft, mellow texture, and a mildly tart flavor. Expect to keep these delicate fruits for at most four weeks. This apple originated in Wisconsin along the banks of the "Wolf" river because it was planted from a seed from what is believed to be an Alexander apple, and the random cross-pollination process created a new apple now known as Wolf River apples. William Springer is the man who planted the seeds from Alexandar apples while moving from Canada to Wisconsin around the year of 1856.