How to Identify Apple Fruits

There are many types of apples to choose from.

With more than 7,500 varieties worldwide, apples are ideal snacks. Low in calories, apples can be eaten raw, baked, made into pies, or consumed in drinks. Each apple has a unique size, shape and flavor. Apples also come in a variety of colors, from a deep, bright red to yellows and golds. Apples, such as the red delicious, granny smith and golden delicious, can be identified according to their shape, size and color.

Instructions

1. Consider the color of the apple. Red delicious, idared and red rome apples are a solid red color, while the ginger gold and golden delicious apples are a solid yellow. Granny smith apples are a solid light green. McIntosh, fuji and gala apples feature a mottling of colors, such as red, green and yellow.

2. Look at the size of the apple. Most apples, such as the ones popular for eating raw and baking with, fit easily in the palm of your hand. Very small apples are likely to be crab apples, while apples such as the alexander are more similar to a grapefruit in size.

3. Examine the apple's shape. Heart-shaped apples, such as red and yellow delicious apples, have a wide top and more narrow bottom. Apples such as the mcIntosh are quite wide in the middle, while fuji, empire, macoun and rome apples are round in shape.

4. Taste the apple. Granny smith apples are crisp and tart while fuji, gala and golden delicious apples are quite sweet. Red delicious, McIntosh, and empire apples are a cross between these two flavor profiles and possess a sweet-tart flavor.

Tips & Warnings

• Use golden delicious apples in salads and packed lunches. The flesh of these apples darkens more slowly than that of other varieties.

References

• Professor's House: Types of Apples
• Personal Nutrition Guide: Types of Apples
• WH Foods: Apples
• New York State Apple Country: Apple Varieties
• California Apple Commission: Apple Core Facts