Best Apples for Baking and Cooking
Depending on your taste (whether you like crisp or tender, sweet or tart) almost all apples are good to eat fresh. Certain types are better than others for baking and cooking, however. For the best texture and flavor, our Test Kitchen recommends seeking out these apple varieties for use in recipes:
BraeburnCameoCortlandCrispinEmpireFujiGolden DeliciousGranny Smith IdaredJazzJonagoldJonathanLucyPink LadySunrise Magic
Types of Apples
With so many different types of apples out there it’s hard to keep track of them all. Here’s a list of some common and not-so-common apple varieties to use as a guide when on your next grocery run, orchard visit, or farmers market trip.
How to Store Apples
Apples are best stored in a cool, dark location. Storage time varies by variety. For small amounts, refrigerate in plastic bags for up to 2 weeks. Store apples between 32ºF and 40ºF (in your fridge or an unfinished basement) 1 to 2 months. Wrap apples loosely in paper or plastic (not resealable bags) for air circulation. Now that you know all about the different cooking apple varieties, give a new sweet or savory apple recipe a try. Start with a classic such as apple pie and work your way to stuffing apples into pork chops or kneading them into a pull-apart yeast bread.
