Open Arms of Minnesota

Granny Smiths, Galas and Fujis, oh my!

By Lexi Guttormson, 2018 University of Minnesota Dietetic Intern

Do you ever wonder which of those apples at your local orchard would be perfect for your pie? What about applesauce? And which apples taste best right off the tree?

With over 2,500 varieties of apples in the United States alone, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the possibilities. Fear not, this guide will help you find the best use for some of the most popular types of apples in Minnesota!

Apple Type: Description: Recommended Best Use:
Ambrosia Sweet, tender Fresh eating, salads, baking
Braeburn Tart, crisp, juicy Best used for baking
Crispin Sweet, crisp Baking, fresh eating, and applesauce
Fuji Sweet, juicy, crisp Best for fresh eating, and applesauce
Gala Sweet, crisp, juicy Fresh eating, and applesauce
Golden Delicious Sweet, crisp Great for all uses! (Baking, applesauce, fresh, apple butter, etc.)
Granny Smith Firm, tart Baking, applesauce, and apple juice
Honeycrisp Sweet, crisp, slight tart hint Best for eating fresh, or in a salad
Jazz Sweet, firm, juicy Fresh eating, and baking
McIntosh Juicy, tangy, firm Best for good quality applesauce, but really this apple is great for all uses!
Red Delicious Sweet, crisp Fresh eating, salads, applesauce, apple butter

Storage tip:

Apples keep best in the refrigerator. Most apples are also fine to freeze!

More from Open Arms

HIV Day On The Hill Graphic

HIV Day On The Hill

Join Us For HIV Day On The Hill Join us for a day of advocacy on Tuesday, March 12, at 8 AM for HIV on the Hill! Collaborate with HIV advocates and LGBTQ leaders as we discuss legislative priorities such as expanding PrEP access

Read More »

Voyage Minnesota Features Leah Hebert Welles

Open Arms CEO Leah Hebert Welles Featured By VoyageMinnesota Open Arms of Minnesota CEO Leah Hebert Welles has been featured by VoyageMinnesota as part of its Daily Inspiration series.  VoyageMinnesota’s mission is to promote mom and pops, artists, creatives, makers and small businesses by

Read More »

Pop-Up Dinner, April ’24

Blossom, April Pop-Up Dinner Set For April 11 in St. Paul Get ready to take your taste buds for a wild ride with our awe-inspiring Pop-Up Dinner set for Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Paul Kitchen and Campus! Throughout the year,

Read More »
End Of Year Giving Graphic

Your Gift Will Help Us Serve More Clients!

Together we can continue to meet the increased demand for medically tailored meals with your support! We hope you think of us as you consider your year-end giving. Your donation is a gift of care, compassion, and encouragement!