I haven’t always loved apples. But since I’ve switched to a healthy Paleo lifestyle, I’ve come to appreciate apples for their unique flavors and uses. Some are tangy, some are sweet, and some make amazing Paleo-friendly apple crips dessert. But if you don’t know how to choose the right type of apple for a particular dish, you’ll end up with a meal or dessert that just doesn’t taste quite right or has an undesirable texture.
Apples have exceptional nutritional benefits, so it’s a good idea to include them in your regular diet. To help you fall in love with apples like I have, here are a few things you should know about my favorite types of apples for different uses.
Red Delicious
Red Delicious is one of the most popular apple varieties in the United States and throughout the world. I love to snack on Red Delicious apples because they are juicy and have a slightly sweet flavor. They’re also quite crunchy when eaten raw but are not good for cooking. If you cook with Red Delicious apples, the texture will not come out right and will feel mushy.
In addition to eating raw as a healthy snack, Red Delicious apples are also perfect for garnishing sandwiches and burgers. You can also cut them into narrow slices and put them in a salad.
Fuji
Fuji apples have a very sweet flavor and are crispy in texture. Like Red Delicious, Fuji apples make great snacks and garnishes. According to the US Apple Association, Fuji apples are the 4th most popular apple in the United States. Their rich flavor makes them a great selection for making apple cider and apple pie.
Gala
If you prefer apples that are not super sweet, you may like the Gala apple. This is one of my favorite types of apples because it is smaller in size than many other snacking apples. I eat this type of apple when I want a small, healthy snack. Gala apples are best eaten raw and become mushy when baked or cooked.
Honeycrisp
When you’re craving something sweet but want to stick to your Paleo way of eating, reach for a Honeycrisp apple. This deliciously sweet apple is the perfect choice for both snacking and baking. It tastes great in pies and makes great apple butter and applesauce. Cooking Honeycrisp apples won’t reduce their sweet taste at all.
Braeburn
Braeburn apples are medium to large in size and make great baking apples because they retain their shape well and don’t typically become mushy. Braeburn apples also store well in cold temperatures, so they are preferred by many people who like to buy apples in bulk and store them in a cold cellar. Braeburns are sweet and tart in flavor.
Granny Smith
This green apple is one of the most well-known apples in the United States. It claims the coveted spot of 3rd most popular apple in America. Granny Smith apples are a good choice for baking because of their firmness. They are also tart with a subtly sweet flavor. Their tartness makes them a good companion for savory dishes.
Golden Delicious
Golden Delicious apples are sweet and can grow to be quite large. They do bruise quickly and can dry up easily, so they should be stored carefully and consumed soon after they are purchased. These apples make great snacks and add delicious flavor to pies and cider. Many people use them to make applesauce and apple butter as well.
Try a New Type of Apple Today!
This is just a small sampling of the many different apples you can enjoy on a Paleo diet. Whether you’re looking for healthy snack ideas or you want to make some of your favorite desserts more Paleo-friendly, give these apples a try today and see which varieties become your favorites.