Autumn apples: Which apples do I use for what?

ByTodd Pierce WABC logo
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Apple cider at a Long Island orchard
A look at the making of apple cider at Richters Orchard in Northport.

NORTHPORT, N.Y. (WABC) -- Brothers Andrew and Louis Amsler have been running Richters Orchard since 1979, after taking it over from their father who bought it in 1946. They kept the name of the farm's founder, Frederick Richter, who began farming in 1900.



It is one of the few remaining family farms on Long Island, and specializes in growing apples, pears and peaches. Between October and May, the farm makes its own cider on premises.



To visit: Richters Orchard, Pulaski Road, Northport, N.Y.
More about apples and apple farms in New York: http://www.nyapplecountry.com



The state of New York has nearly 700 growers and 10,000,000+ apple trees. New York grows more apple varieties than any other state.



Which apples are best for what? Here's a guide (source: The New York Apple Association):



Honeycrisp


Complex, sweet-tart flavor, juicy


Best for: Eating and salads, sauces, baking and pies


September through February



Braeburn


Sweet, tangy, aromatic, juicy



Best for: Snacking, sooking, sauces and salads


Oct.-April



Cameo


Tart, sweet flavor, crispy


Best for: Fresh eating, salads, pies, sauces, baking


Late Oct.-April



Cortland


Sweet, juicy, tender


Best for: Eating, salads, sauces, pies and baking; good for freezing


Sept.-April



Empire


Sweet and tart, a combinastion of red delicious and McIntosh


Best for: eating, salads, sauces, baking, pies and freezing


Sept.-Aug.



Fuji


Sweet, juicy


Best for: Eating and salads


Oct.-June



Gala


Mild sweet flavor, juicy


Best for: Eating and salads


Sept.-June



Golden delicious


Mild, sweet, juicy


Best for: eating, salads, sauces


Sept.-June



McIntosh


Sweet and tart, very juicy


Best for: Eating and sauces


Sept.-June


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