Which apple is right for you?
Here is some information about a sampling of the apples grown in Iowa
Red Delicious – juicy, sweet taste, bruises easily, best use – eating, salads Jonathon – sweet, tart taste, firm texture, best use – eating fresh and cooking Gala – sweet and juicy, crisp texture, best use – eating fresh, applesauce Golden Delicious – crisp white texture, sweet juicy taste, best use – salads, baking Yellow Delicious - popular yellow skin apple; soft skin and flesh; sweet white flesh, best use - Honeycrisp – sweet, juicy, great tasting, best use – eating fresh Jonagold -- Firm, juicy, slightly tart, flesh, best use – eating, cooking .
(order based on 2006 data of acres planted in Iowa)
Harvest time can vary from year to year and by fruit variety. A good indication of apple maturity is when apples begin to drop from trees. Also check to see that the flesh color at the bottom of the apple has turned from a green to a yellow green. Not enough? Take a bite, the mature apple should be sweet and no longer bitter.
How to properly pick an apple:
Picking is done by rolling or twisting the apple away from the fruit spur.
