Apple Varieties

How well do you know the local Georgian Bay apples? Learn about the unique array of apples that are native to our land. The diversity of apples in the region offers something for everyone. Flavors range from acidic to sugar-filled, alternating in color and richness, size and crispness.

What’s your favorite apple variety?

Ginger Gold

Ginger Gold

mid-Aug.– mid-Sept.
An early season apple with lovely golden colour and white, crisp flesh. Terrific eaten fresh and holds shape when cooked.

Jersey Mac

Jersey Mac

mid-Aug.– mid-Sept.
Early variety apple with red and green colour. Great for fresh eating. Medium to large in size.

Paula Red

Paula Red

late-Aug. – late-Sept.
Medium size early apple with dark red colour and firm, crisp flavour. Good for snacking.

Ambrosia

Oct. - Mar.
Chance seedling discovered in B.C. in the 1980′s. It is a large red apple that is crisp and juice with a distinct aroma and a sweet low acid flavour. Excellent for eating fresh.

Cortland

Cortland

Oct. - Apr.
A descendant of the McIntosh, it’s a cross between a Ben Davis and McIntosh. Large globular shape with red-orange stripes. Mild, sweet taste and crisp texture. Excellent for salads and fruit plates; resists browning. Good for pies and sauces.

Crispin

Crispin

Oct. - Apr.
Cross between the Golden Delicious and the Japanese Indo. Larger than average; tart to sweet taste and firm texture. Ideal for snack. Delicious in pies and chunky sauces.

Empire

Empire

Oct. - Jul.
Cross between the McIntosh and Red Delicious. Slightly tart; juicy, firm and crisp. Ideal for snacks; makes great applesauce.

Fuji

Fuji

mid-Oct. – early Feb.
Cross between a Delicious and Ralls Janet. Medium to large size; firm and greenish pink in colour with white flesh. Great for eating fresh.

Gala

Gala

early Sept. - Feb.
Cross between a Kidd’s Orange and Golden Delicious. Average size; yellow-orange ground colour with a red blush. Ideal for eating fresh out-of-hand.

Honeycrisp

Honeycrisp

late Sept. - Mar.
Cross between a Macoun and Honeygold. Large sized fruit with distinctive crisp texture, aromatic, juicy and a slightly acidic, sweet taste. Flesh is cream coloured. Best eaten fresh.

Idared

Dec. - Jul.
Cross between a Jonathan and Wagener. Medium to large; round to flat round. Tart; keeps its flavour when oven baked. Ideal for munching or oven baking.

Idared

Jona Gold

late Sept. - Feb.
Cross between a Golden Delicious and Jonathan. Large, round to round conic; medium orange-red to red blush over faint striping and green-yellow ground colour; firm, slightly coarse texture. Great for eating fresh and cooking.

McIntosh

McIntosh

mid Sept. - May
Originated at 1800 as a chance seedling by John McIntosh of Dundela, Ontario. Medium size; irregular round shape; green apple with red splash; white, juicy flesh; mildly tart, sweetness as it ripens. Excellent for eating fresh, baking pies and sauces.

Northern Spy

Northern Spy

Oct. - May
Distinguished by bright red stripes and elongated shape. Large, crisp and firm. Excellent for pies and baked apples.

Red Delicious

Red Delicious

Oct. - Jul.
Large size; firm, sweet and juicy; dark red and elongated. Excellent in salads; not recommended for cooking.

Red Prince

Red Prince

Feb. - Jun.
Available during Winter through Summer. This apple is a cross between the Golden Delicious and the Jonathan. Tangy sweet flavour with a crisp and juicy texture. Ideal for fresh eating, in salads or baking. Pairs particularly well with sharp cheddars and blue cheeses.

Russett

Russet

late Oct. - Jan.
Sweet and tangy. A popular choice in Europe. One of the oldest Ontario varieties. Great as a fresh snack; ideal for pie filling and applesauce, too.

spartan

Spartan

Oct. - Apr.
Cross between the McIntosh and Newtown; originated in British Columbia. Medium size, red variety. Good fresh from hand; makes a great pie filling, too.

Apple Recipes

Recipes

Love to bake with apples?
Check out our blog post - Best Ever Apple Crisp

Where To Start On The Apple Pie Trail

Apple Facts

Handy Worksheet
Download you very own copy of these apple varieties.

Curious how apples become cider?

Learn how the cider makers of apple country convert the delicious apples that you see above into the cider you know and love.