Apple Varieties
Michigan has always been known as the “variety state.” From Acey Mac to Zestar, Michigan has no shortage of the many varieties that our customers desire. BelleHarvest currently markets 18 commercial varieties that our growers produce, with newer varieties on the way.
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PAULA RED: Aug 19th
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!
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GINGERGOLD: Aug 21st
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.
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GALA: Sept 5th
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!
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MCINTOSH: Sept 10th
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.
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HONEYCRISP: Sept 16th
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.
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Cortland: Sept 17th
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.
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EMPIRE: Sept 17th
An excellent lunchbox apple or crunch snack! Sweet and tart at the same time. Use for fresh-cut slices, candy and caramel apples. Also used in baking. Texture remains very firm, a good storing apple. Popular in Great Britain.
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JONAGOLD: Sept 23rd
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.
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JONATHAN: Sept 23rd
Both pretty and popular! Used for fresh eating and cooking. Juicy flavor has a spicy tang that blends well with other apples. Michigan’s cooler climate produces superb Jonathans. Discovered in Woodstock, New York!
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GOLDEN DELICIOUS: Sept 27th
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.
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RED DELICIOUS: Sept 30th
America’s most popular apple, known for the “five little bumps” on the bottom. Best for fresh eating and snacks. Full-flavored sweet taste, yellowish flesh and crisp texture. Discovered over 100 years ago in Iowa.
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IDA RED: Oct 5th
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.
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ROME: Oct 10th
A big, round apple right out of storybooks! Romes have mild, sweet flavor. Most popular for baking because it holds flavor and shape well. A Southern favorite, although discovered in Ohio.
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BRAEBURN: Oct 20th
Also new to Michigan’s apple lineup! Braeburns are known for their unique blend of sweet and tart flavor. Braeburn stores very well when chilled.
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FUJI: Oct 20th
New to Michigan’s apple lineup, Fuji is Japan’s favorite apple for good reason! Fantastic sweet and tart flavor, with a low acid content. An incredibly good keeper, Fuji stays crisp for weeks!