The other night I was lost in a novel of the Plague set in this Fall of 1666. The main character so beautifully described the sights and sounds as she walked through the fallen leaves that I was right there along side her breathing in the crisp Autumn air and smelling the ripe apples. Just as she begins to liken this to the plague (I'll spare you the details) I think 'Apples! I'm going to blog about apples - varieties, seasons, uses...!' What can I say? Blog inspiration sometimes comes in unexpected ways.
So let's compare apples to apples. There are well over a dozen varieties from which to choose at the supermarket. While some of the most common, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Red Delicious are available year round, others are best consumed in season. Here are four that I recommend you try now.
Honeycrisp - By far my top pic at this time of year. Try them for snacking with nut butter or cheese, in salads or as an oatmeal topping with cinnamon and raisins.
Rome Beauty - Although mildly sweet and crisp Golden Delicious is my go-to for applesauce, try making it with this sweet and firm variety while in season.
Braeburn - Described as sweet-tart and firm, Braeburn apples are great roasted with fowl, pork and poultry.
Pink Lady - Coming soon! Watch for these beginning in November. Its' tangy, sweet-tart flavor makes it a versatile variety great for snacking, salads, pies and tarts.
Apples can be left out at room temperature. But I recommend storing them in the refrigerator for longevity. Buy locally and seasonally for the best selection and prices. Check out The 2016 Apple Report courtesy of Bucks County Taste for a listing of apples available in Bucks and nearby areas.