How to Select Apples

Guide Note

Whether you're baking an apple pie or simply want to bite into a nutritious, iconic snack, selecting the right apples will make a difference. Read on to learn how to pick the best from the bunch.

Table of Contents

Selecting Apples Tips

  1. Choose apples that feel firm and are free of bruises.
  2. Apples should have smooth skin; it should not appear wrinkled.
  3. Fresh apples should be bright in color.
  4. McIntosh apples are terrific for pies or fruit tarts.
  5. Red and Golden Delicious apples are great for eating fresh.
  6. Store apples in the fridge to keep them fresh.

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Introduction

  • Choosing fresh apples, whether from your local farmer's market or your grocery store, will make a huge difference in flavor. Particular apples are better for pies, don't forget, and you'll also want to be sure you are storing apples properly to ensure their taste and freshness.

Step 1: Choose Fresh Apples

(Creative Commons photo by *Micky)
(Creative Commons photo by *Micky)
  • You don't want to pick up every single apple in the display; learn a few tricks to choosing fresh apples to make your grocery shopping more efficient.
  1. A good apple will have smooth skin.1
  2. Fresh apples will also have vibrant color. An apple that is supposed to be red should appear deep red, while an apple that is partially red should have a yellow-green undertone.1
  3. Your apples should feel firm to the touch and be free of bruises.2
  4. If you press the skin of your apple with a finger or a few fingers, the pressure should not leave a dent behind.2
  5. Avoid selecting apples that have brown spots or skin that appears wrinkled.1

Step 2: Different Apples for Different Recipes

(Creative Commons photo by Barb McMahon)
(Creative Commons photo by Barb McMahon)
  • The apple you want to eat right now is likely a different apple than the one you'd add to a pie, so the type of apple you select is also important.
  1. The apples best for cooking will be "hard, crisp and semisweet," such as Granny Smiths, McIntosh and Cortland apples.3
  2. Note that red delicious apples don't cook well, and though golden delicious don't get mushy when cooking, they can lose their flavor while baking.3

Specific Apples

Step 3: Store Apples Properly

(Creative Commons photo by Paola)
(Creative Commons photo by Paola)
  • Now that you've found the perfect apple, you'll want to keep it fresh.
  1. Apples should be kept in the refrigerator, either in a plastic bag or a crisper drawer.2
  2. You may want to store apples in plastic bags with small holes punched through to keep moisture levels consistent.1
  3. You can keep apples refrigerated for up to six weeks.2
  4. Keep apples away from food with strong odors so that your apples don't soak up these smells and tastes.4
  5. Keep sliced apples from browning by dipping them in apple juice that has been fortified with Vitamin C.4

Conclusion

  • Now that you know how to select the perfect apple, why not attempt an apple pie? Fresh apples are a terrific source of fiber but can quickly morph into delicious, sweet desserts, too. Enjoy whatever you make with apples—don't forget the cider and applesauce come fall!—and think about drying apples for a tasty snack when apple season has passed.

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References for How To Select Apples

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 University of Missouri: Apples
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Dole: Apples
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 The New York Times: Select Apples and Pears with Care
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Purdue University: How to Select, Prepare and Enjoy July Produce