The Best Apples To Pick In Kalamazoo

Michigan is home to some of the most delicious and famous apples!

Michiganaples.com listed the apples that are native to Michigan, which makes the idea of homegrown that much sweeter!

Even though the first day of fall is not until September 22nd, many apple orchards have opened their doors. Michigan is the home to many native varieties of apples and if you are looking for a true Michigan classic here are your choices!

BRAEBURN

These rich, spicy-flavored apples are very firm with a crisp bite. Ideal for pies and baking, they also have a good fresh-eating quality!

CORTLAND

A hint of tartness makes this a great baking variety, used frequently in desserts. A descendent of the McIntosh, this variety is a bit sweeter than its ancestor. Known for its white flesh and excellent flavor.

GALA

Talk about a great apple: Crisp snappy bite over a mellow sweetness. Michigan’s 3rd most popular apple for fresh eating or cooking. Looks great, smells sweet, eats like a dream!

GINGER GOLD

This sweet-spicy apple has a succulent texture and rich taste. A cross between the Golden Delicious and Albermarle Pippin, this early-season variety is best served fresh. Its mildly tart flavor definitely gets the Michigan autumn apple harvest off to an exciting start.

GOLDEN DELICIOUS

A gingery-smooth, sweet taste treat lies under a thin skin. The most popular yellow apple, Goldens may be eaten fresh or cut up in salads. Professional’s choice for applesauce or cider, baking pies and other desserts.

HONEYCRISP

This apple is hot! And mighty crisp. Combines unusual color and excellent sweet flavor with a great bite. Use it for fresh eating, fresh-cut slices or cut up in salads.

IDA RED

Suits your every use! Eat fresh or for cooking. Taste is both tangy and tart. Flesh is white, crisp and juicy. Favored for sauces, pies and desserts. Texture holds up well when baked.

JONAGOLD

Make sure you try this one! Superbly crisp and juicy with shades of tart and sweet in each apple. Usually large and aromatic. Highly ranked by apple connoisseurs. Popular in Europe, but better from Michigan’s cooler climate.

MCINTOSH

Classic large, round apple for eating out of hand! Ultra-juicy white flesh, lightly tart flavor and excellent fresh apple aroma. A perky addition to salads. Excellent in applesauce and cider. Also used in pies.

NORTHERN SPY

Intriguing name, yet this apple is a professional baker’s dream! An antique apple still popular because of tart, acidic properties that cook up well in applesauce, pie and other dishes. A hard apple that ripens late and stores well.

PAULA RED

Don’t miss this late summer apple! Available only into October. Pleasingly tart flavor and good aroma. Great in back-to-school lunches, or early season baking. Discovered in Sparta, Michigan!

And don't forget to pick up some apple cider while you are there!

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