KNOW YOUR APPLES: TWELVE OF THE WIDELY MARKETED VARIETIES

VARIETY SEASON SIZE AND DESCRIPTION USE
Baldwin November to May Medium to large. Partially red to dull solid red. Juicy, moderately tart, hard, crisp. Raw and general cooking.
Red Delicious October to April Medium to large. Deep red, five knobs on blossom end. Sweet, firm, tender, fragrant. Raw.
Golden Delicious October to March Medium to large. Yellow. Sweet, firm, crisp, tender. Raw and general cooking.
Grimes Golden October to February Small to medium. Yellow with small dark specks. Moderately juicy, slightly tart, firm, crisp, tender, fragrant. Raw and general cooking.
Jonathan October to February Small to medium. Deep red. Juicy, moderately tart, tender, crisp, fragrant. Raw and general cooking.
McIntosh October to March Medium. Bright deep red striped with carmine. Juicy, moderately tart, tender, crisp, fragrant. Raw and general cooking.
Northern Spy October to March Large. Bright striped red. Juicy, moderately tart, firm, crisp, tender, fragrant. Raw and general cooking.
Rome Beauty November to May Large. Yellow mingled with red. Juicy, slightly tart, firm, rather crisp. General cooking, baking whole.
Stayman November to April Medium to large. Dull striped red. Juicy, tart, firm, crisp. Raw, general cooking, baking whole.
Winesap January to May Small to medium. Deep bright red with small scattered white dots. Juicy, slightly tart, hard, crisp, fragrant. Raw, general cooking, baking whole.
Yellow Newtown February to June Medium. Yellow. Juicy, moderately tart, hard, crisp. Raw and general cooking.
York Imperial October to April Medium to large. Light or purplish red over yellow. Lopsided shape, usually. Slightly tart, hard, crisp. Raw and general cooking.