Which apples are best for apple pie?

We are going apple picking this weekend and they will have Macintosh. Are these good for apple pies or are there others that would be better?

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

not Mcintoch...they get too mushy when cooked.

Ask at the orchard...they will know

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

Message edited 9/9/2008 4:20:10 PM.

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

I make by Apple Pies with Cortland.

Here is a link with type of apple and the good uses for each type
Link


Variety Maturity Texture Flavor Storage life Uses Remarks
Paulared Late Aug. Crisp Slightly tart Short Fresh
Wealthy Late Aug. - early Sept. Tender Slightly tart Short Cooking, fresh
Gala Late Aug. - early Sept. Crisp Slightly sweetShort Cooking Orange/red; yellow flesh
McIntosh Early to mid-Sept. Tender Slightly tart Moderate Cooking, fresh Bright red
Jonadel Mid - late Sept. Tender Slightly sweet Good Cooking, fresh ISU release in 1958; red fruit
Haralson Mid - late Sept. Crisp Tart Excellent Cooking, fresh White, firm flesh
Cortland Mid - late Sept. Crisp Slightly tart Good Cooking, fresh White flesh that is slow to darken when cut
Honeygold Mid - late Sept. Crisp Slightly sweet Good Cooking, fresh
Jonafree Mid - late Sept. Tender Slightly tart Good Cooking, fresh
Jonathan Mid - late Sept. Tender Slightly tart Moderate Cooking, fresh
Jonagold Late Sept -early Oct. Tender Slightly tart Good Cooking, fresh Large yellow fruit with red striping
Chieftain Late Sept. - early Oct. Crisp Slightly tart Good Cooking, fresh ISU release in 1966; large red fruit
Spartan Mid - late Sept. Tender Slightly tart Good Cooking, fresh
Liberty Late Sept. - early Oct. Crisp Slightly tart Good Fresh Greenish yellow with red stripes
Red Delicious Late Sept. - early Oct. Crisp Sweet Excellent Cooking, fresh
Golden Delicious Late Sept. - early Oct. Tender Sweet Excellent Cooking, fresh
Golden Grimes Late Sept. Crisp Slightly tart Excellent Cooking, fresh
Rome Beauty Late Sept. Tender Slightly tart Good Cooking
Mutsu Mid - late Oct. Crisp Slightly tart Excellent Cooking, fresh Yellow-green fruit


This article originally appeared in the September 12, 1997 issue, pp. 138-139.


by Linda Naeve, Department of Horticulture

Message edited 9/9/2008 4:31:10 PM.

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

Found this info too:

Best Pie Apple?
The best apples to use for a scrumptious apple pie is a matter of personal opinion. No particular variety truly qualifies as the "best" pie apple but here are a few suggestions for pie success.

If you like a sweet pie, use Crispin, Golden Delicious, Jonagold or Winesap. In fact, you can reduce the amount of sugar if you use these sweet varieties.

For a more tart pie with a strong apple favor, try Cortland, Empire, Granny Smith, Idared, Northern Spy, Rhode Island Greening or Rome.

Many people love the classic McIntosh pie but be sure to add thickener because the tender McIntosh flesh breaks down easily.

Message edited 9/9/2008 4:30:26 PM.

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

THANKS!!!!!

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

I usually use a mixture of half mcintosh/half granny smith so you get some mushy apple sweetness and some slightly firmer tartness from the granny smith.

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

granny smith or any tart apple.
you can mix some red delicious in there too.

The grannys keep their texture well and are the perfect tart/sweet blend when cooked with all the yummy additions to pie

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

grannies and galas. that what I have used. I don't make pie too often. I buy them from Briermere. You should call them! They have the best pies!

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

I make tons of apple pies. I always use a mix of both sweet and tart apples for the best taste:

Message edited 9/9/2008 10:50:33 PM.

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

I use 2 or 3 different kinds of apples, it give it an interesting taste.

Usually Cortland, Granny Smith and either Golden or Red Delicious. SOmetimes I do throw in a few Macintosh, but most of it will be the first two.

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

I have this recipe that I have been making for year, I even have family memebers pay me to make it for them for holidays and such. Its red apples and green granny smith apples (equal halves) and it comes out amazing!!

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

I like to use Cortland or Golden Delicious.

Try to get an apple that is on the drier side.

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?

Re: Which apples are best for apple pie?