Full bodied, cider-like flavor with a perfect sweet-tart balance.
Flesh softens when baked but holds its shape.
Ripens: Oct-Nov
Braeburn
A buttery flavor that gets more pronounced after baking.
Slices hold their shape & turn enticingly soft.
Ripens: Sept-Oct
Golden Delicious
As grandma's say, "Spies for pies." Grown widely across the Midwest and Northeast.
Cider & pear flavors, holds it shape when baked.
Ripens: Oct-Nov
Northern Spy
If your grocery store has limited options, try Honeycrisp.
Mild, honey-like flavor with hints of rose or melon when baked. Tart & hold shape.
Honeycrisp
A very flavorful apple-spice taste. Completely falls apart when baked, but doesn't turn grainy.
Add 1-2 in a pie for increased flavor (if you like the saucy texture)
Ripens: Aug-Sept
McIntosh
Granny Smith
Tart without much apple flavor.
Often recommended but can turn mushy due to modern commercial storage.
Ripens: Oct-Nov