Stew Leonard's Ultimate Apple Guide: Types, Uses, and Tips
When you walk into a Stew Leonard's you'll see mountains of apples—bright reds, crisp greens, honey-gold yellows. They all look good, but if you’ve ever wondered "Wait, which apple is best for pie? Or which apple is going to taste like pure fall in a bite?”, we've got you covered.
This guide breaks down some of the most popular apple varieties you’ll find at Stew Leonard’s. Think of it as your apple cheat sheet! Learn a bit about the flavor profile each kind, plus ideas on how to use them.
🍎 Psst—want more recipes and seasonal fun? Pop over to our All Things Apples page. 🍏
Apple Varieties Chart
Some apples are perfect for pies and baking, while others are best for snacking, salads, or cider. This apple varieties chart makes it easy to compare different apple types at a glance so you can find your perfect bite.
MEET THE APPLES
Popular Apple Types and How to Use Them
Here are some of the most popular apple varieties you'll find in our stores, along with their best uses in cooking, baking, and snacking.
Braeburn Apples
Bold and balanced—sweet with a tart edge. Fantastic in pies, crisps, or cider.
Cameo Apples
Crunchy, sweet, and citrusy. They bake well but shine when eaten fresh.
Cortland Apples
Juicy and mildly tart. Bonus: they don’t brown quickly, so they’re perfect for fruit platters or lunchbox slices.
Crispin (Mutsu) Apples
Big, firm, and sweet-tart. Perfect for pies and cider—and their size makes them a baker’s dream.
Fuji Apples
Sweet, firm, and long-lasting. A lunchbox staple and great roasted alongside veggies.
Gala Apples
Mild, sweet, and super kid-friendly. Ideal for lunchboxes, applesauce, or juicing.
Ginger Gold Apples
Early-season and delicately sweet with a hint of spice. Great for fresh eating and fruit salads.
Golden Delicious Apples
Gentle flavor, super versatile. Works in pies, sauces, and even dried apple rings.
Granny Smith Apples
Tart, crisp, and totally dependable. These are your pie workhorses—the apples that hold their shape in the oven. Also amazing dipped in caramel.
Honeycrisp Apples
Juicy, crisp, and loved by pretty much everyone. Perfect for snacking, salads, and cider. If you’re baking, pair them with a sturdier apple (like Granny Smith) so things don’t get too watery.
Jonagold Apples
Honey-sweet with just enough tartness to keep things interesting. Fantastic for crisps and pies, but also snackable.
Kanzi Apples
A blend of Gala and Braeburn, so you get sweet plus tangy in one bite. Firm enough for baking but also excellent with a cheese board.
Lemonade Apples
Yes, it tastes like it sounds—sweet with a little citrus sparkle. Refreshing and fun to slice into a salad.
McIntosh Apples
Soft, tangy, and aromatic. These practically melt when cooked, so think applesauce or cider—not pies.
Pink Lady Apples
Crisp, tangy, and refreshing. Excellent for snacking or pairing with cheese.
Rave Apples
Bright, zippy, and ready early in the season. If "apple soda" were a thing, it would taste like this. Great for eating straight out of the bag.
Red Delicious Apples
Classic looks, mild flavor. Best for eating fresh or slicing into salads.
Zestar Apples
One of the first apples to arrive each year. Crisp with a perfect sweet-tart balance. Lovely for eating fresh or baking into quick breads.
Tips for Choosing and Storing Apples
- Look for firmness. A good apple should feel solid and heavy for its size.
- Check the skin. Smooth, bruise-free skin means freshness.
- Store smart. Keep apples in the refrigerator crisper drawer for the longest shelf life. Most apples can last up to a month when chilled.
- Shop at Stew Leonard's. Our apples are fresh, seasonal, and many are grown locally—so you know you’re getting the best bite from the orchard to your table.