apples in basket

Far from being a ‘forbidden fruit’ there are more than 2.6 billion apples grown in Australia each year, with the majority being consumed domestically. In recent years the most dominant varieties have been Granny Smith and Pink Lady™, which between them accounted for approximately 55% of total production. However like any food, trends come and go, so here is an overview of the top varieties and what they’re good for.

At a Glance

Selection: Look for firm, smooth skin with no dark/soft spots

Storage: Apples love the cold, refrigerate to retain juiciness and crispness

 

AUSTRALIAN VARIETIES


Pink-LadyTPink Lady (Cripps Pink)

Characteristics: Crisp, fine, sweet flesh

Best for: Cooking(salads, sauces and pies) due to the high sugar content

Background: Cross between Golden Delicious and Lady Williams. To be sold as Pink Lady it must meet quality standards set out by the Dept of Agriculture and Food, WA.


 

 

 

 


Granny-SmithGranny Smith

Characteristics: Crisp tart, tangy flavour that gets sweeter as it matures

Best for: Baking, freezing, salads, sauces and pies.

Background: An Australian native discovered in 1868 by “Granny” Anne Smith of Ryde, NSW. One parent is believed to be the French crab apple.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Royal-GalaRoyal Gala

Characteristics: Juicy and aromatic- slightly sweeter than Delicious apples

Best for: Sauces but is also tasty fresh and in salads

Background: Royal Gala and Gala originated in NZ in the 1930s as a cross between Kidd’s Orange Red and Golden Delicious.


 

 

 

 

 


Golden-DeliciousGolden Delicious

Characteristics: Sweet and rich

Best for: Eating fresh and baking

Background: Originated in 1912 in West Virginia, USA


 

 

 

 

 

 


Red-DeliciousRed Delicious

Characteristics: Refreshing mild sweetness

Best for: Salads and desserts

Background: Originated in Iowa, USA in the early 1870’s


 

 

 

 

 

 


Fuji-Fuji

Characteristics: Crisp and juicy with sweet honey tones

Best for: Eating fresh,  baking and stewing

Background: Fuji originated in Japan where it is a major variety.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Sundowner-TSundowner™ (Cripps Red)

Characteristics: Sweet and distinctive

Best for: Eating fresh, also good for baking as it keeps its shape

Background: Cripps Red (sold as Sundowner™) is related to Pink Lady™ and is a cross between Golden Delicious and Lady Williams. Originated in WA.


 

 

 

 



Jazz-Jazz™ (Cripps Red)

Characteristics: crunchy, tangy and sweet

Best for: Snacking on the go, though

Background: One of the newest varieties on the market, Jazz™ apples were launched in Australia in 2009 and are a cross between Gala and Braeburn.