Apples

The Hallmark of Our ranch

Apples are a convenient healthy snack, delicious baked in a pie or enjoyed year-around when made into applesauce. But there are so many varieties of apples it is sometimes hard to know which one to buy for eating fresh, baking, or other application. Symms Fruit Ranch grows a variety for every taste and every use! All of these apples are harvested in the late summer through fall and then stored in refrigerated warehouses where the atmosphere is closely monitored to extend freshness and flavor. This controlled atmosphere process allows consumers to purchase locally grown apples throughout the winter and often into early the next Spring.

Use this guide to help you choose the very best apples:

Gala

Gala apples are the first to be harvested each year starting in early August. This sweet, crisp variety is a consumer favorite eaten fresh, but can be used in recipes as well. Look for this beautiful apple that is a combination of red, orange and yellow colors.

Honeycrisp

Honeycrisp is one of the newest varieties at Symms Fruit Ranch and is harvested in early September. The name of this apple is the perfect descriptor of its flavor with a mild honey flavor and unmatched crispness. Its unique red and yellow color make it easy to identify and it is great eaten fresh or made into flavorful applesauce.

Jonathan

Jonathan is a traditional apple variety that is harvested mid-September. It is a beautiful deep red colored apple with just a touch of yellow. This apple variety is tart and delicious and can be eaten fresh or baked into pies, crisps or tarts.

Golden Delicious

Golden Delicious apples are easily recognizable by their beautiful yellow skin that adds color to any fall fruit bowl. This versatile variety is mild in flavor and can be eaten fresh, but also makes great pies and beautiful applesauce. Goldens are available starting in early October.

Jonagold

Jonagold apples were created by crossing Jonathan and Golden Delicious varieties. As you would expect, the flavor is both tart and sweet and the skin is red with yellow undertones. This variety is great fresh, in salads or can be used in baking and can be found in stores in early October.

Red Delicious

Red Delicious is probably the best known, most iconic America apple variety. Their deep red color and unique shape make them easy to find in any grocery store starting in early October. With a mild, sweet flavor, Red Delicious apples are great eaten fresh or try dipping them in caramel for a special treat.

Rome

Rome apples are great for baking due to their firm texture and tart flavor. This dark red, round apple is easy to peel, makes great pies and sauce, and can be frozen for use throughout the winter. Romes are available from Symms Fruit Ranch beginning in early November.

Fuji

Fuji is a popular apple variety for eating fresh because of its distinctive sweet flavor and crisp texture. Color can vary widely from a greenish yellow to bright red and is available starting in early November. Properly stored in a cool environment, Fuji apples will stay firm and sweet for several weeks.

Granny Smith

Granny Smith apples are easily identified by their shiny green-colored skin. Tart and firm, these apples are great baked in pies or sliced and added fresh to salads. If you like a tangy, super-crisp apple they are a healthy snack too! Find Symms Fruit Ranch Grannies starting in November.

Pink Lady

Pink Lady is an apple variety more recently added to the orchards at Symms Fruit Ranch. This variety has a very distinctive flavor that is sweet and tart at the same time. The name comes from the pinkish color of the skin and is one of the latest varieties to be picked. The very crisp and crunchy Pink Lady is great fresh but can also be used in fall baking and stores well in the refrigerator.

	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
Gala
Honeycrisp
Jonathan
Jonagold
Golden Delicious
Red Delicious
Rome
Fuji
Granny Smith
Pink Lady