All About Our Apples

Because of their crispy, crunchy textures, (and because we think that crispy, crunchy apples make the best caramel apple), we mostly use the FUJI and GRANNY SMITH apples. If you like things sweet, then you should try FUJI apples, but if you like sweet and tart, or sweet and sour, then the Granny Smith apple would be your best bet. Because we always demand the best in our apples, when the FUJI or GRANNY SMITH apples are not at their peak, we will occasionally have to turn to others in the apple family such as the RED/GOLDEN DELICIOUS or BRAEBURN apples.

Fuji:This immensely flavorful, new variety was introduced to the U.S. from Japan in the 1980s, but now the U.S. produces more Fujis than Japan. Each year, this big, super-sweet, crisp apple gains new fans. The Fuji holds its texture when baked. It's known for its hard texture and syrupy sweetness. It's also excellent for baking and salads. Washington's cool weather in the late fall helps develop its reddish-pink color and superb flavor. Fujis are harvested in October and can be purchased October to August.

Granny Smith:Green, extremely tart, crisp, juicy and versatile, they’re available year-round. Grannies are a favorite of Washington state pie-bakers. They’re also excellent for snacking and salads. Warm days and cool summer nights ensure crunch and flavor for October harvest.

Red Delicious: This one’s a classic - America’s favorite snacking apple. The heart-shaped fruit is bright red and sometimes striped. Crunchy with a mildly sweet flavor, Reds are also great in salads. Washington apple growers have been producing the world’s best Red Delicious apples since the 1920s. They’re harvested in September and October and available throughout the year.

Golden Delicious: It’s the all-purpose apple. Mellow and sweet, Goldens are great for eating out of hand, baking and salads. In salads and other dishes, their flesh stays white longer than other apples. The dry, warm climate of Eastern Washington is perfect for this delicate yellow beauty. They’re harvested in September and available all year.

Braeburn: This apple’s rich, sweet-tart, spicy flavor is high-impact. Color varies from orange to red over a yellow background. Aromatic, juicy and crisp, this apple is very firm. Braeburns are great for snacking and baking. Washington growers harvest the variety in September and early October. Consumers can purchase Washington Braeburns from October through July.