Eeny, Meeny, Miny, McIntosh: Choosing The Right Apple

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October  8, 2012
1 Comment

Apple Chart

Admittedly, I’m prone to overanalysis. Tell me that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and I’ll spend an afternoon worrying about which variety will minimize my yearly medical visits. Suggest baking a pie, and I’ll spend forty minutes asking a farmer at my local market which of her offerings will yield the perfect result from my oven.  

When it comes to apples, the wealth of options can overwhelm. Jonagold or Mcintosh? Maiden Blush or Northern Spy? Luckily for my anxiety levels -- and for your entertainment -- Slate has created this clever flow chart to find the perfect apple for any occasion.

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Whether you want to throw it, craft with it, bob for it, or -- yes -- cook it, you can find your answers here. With less time spent agonizing over whether to buy a Gala or an Esopus Spitzenburg this weekend, you’ll have more time for other activities -- like navigating on your Apple iOs 5.

What are your favorite apple varieties?

Choose the Right Apple from Slate 

 

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

Marian Bull

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1 Comment

AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames October 8, 2012
I like Mutsu apples (also known as Crispins) both for eating raw and for baking. This variety -- not mentioned in the Slate article -- is a cross between a Golden Delicious and an Indo. Much larger than most apples, it's perfect for sharing. It bakes up beautifully, with a nice apply taste; plus it's neither too juicy nor too dry, holding its shape well. We only see them at the farmers' markets here for a few weeks.(I don't recall ever seeing them in any store.) Second choice is Honeycrisp, but the local Fujis here are also excellent in season. I tend to buy them whenever the others are not available. ;o)