American Beauty

Color & Characteristics: Crimson-red skin with tender, aromatic flesh

Flavor: Sweet with a hint of tartness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Mid-season (September)

Zones: 5–8

Notes: An heirloom apple prized for its beauty and flavor. Grows best in full sun with moderate care. Requires a pollinator for best fruit production.

 

Arkansas Black

Color & Characteristics: Dark red to nearly black; firm and dense

Flavor: Sweet, tangy; improves in storage

Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking, cider

Ripens: Late season (October)

Zones: 5–9

Notes: Excellent storage life. Thrives in full sun and loamy soil. Cross-pollination improves fruit set.

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Ashmead’s Kernel

Color & Characteristics: Russeted golden skin; irregular shape

Flavor: Nutty, sweet, aromatic

Best Uses: Fresh eating, specialty cider

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–9

Notes: British heirloom. Best in full sun with well-drained soil. Requires a pollinator. Gourmet-quality apple.

 

Aunt Penelope Winslow

Color & Characteristics: Yellow-green base with pink blush; crisp texture

Flavor: Sweet and crisp

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: Rare heirloom with excellent flavor. Requires a pollination partner. Benefits from good air circulation.

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Blacktwig 

Color & Characteristics: Deep red skin; dense and juicy

Flavor: Sweet and tangy

Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking, cider

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Old Southern favorite. Hardy and adaptable. Grows best in full sun with well-drained soil.

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Black Amish

Color & Characteristics: Deep red to black; smooth skin

Flavor: Sweet and juicy

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–9

Notes: Striking heritage apple. Cross-pollination recommended. Adds visual and flavor appeal to any orchard.

 

Black Oxford

Color & Characteristics: Dark purple-red skin; firm flesh

Flavor: Sweet with mild tartness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: Cold-hardy, long-keeping variety. Requires a pollinator. Reliable for northern growers.

 

Blenheim Orange

Color & Characteristics: Yellow skin with orange-red blush; aromatic

Flavor: Sweet and nutty

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: British dessert apple with rich flavor. Needs full sun and steady moisture. Attracts heritage fruit enthusiasts.

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Blue Pearmain

Color & Characteristics: Blue-purple blush over red; large and rustic

Flavor: Mildly tart and crisp

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: Vigorous heirloom from New England. Keeps well and performs well in cooler climates.

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Burgundy

Color & Characteristics: Deep red skin; medium size

Flavor: Sweet and juicy

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cider

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: Great early season choice. Rich in flavor and color. Cross-pollination improves yields.

 

Calville Blanc d’Hiver Apple

Color & Characteristics: Pale yellow skin with subtle ribbing; firm, fine-grained texture

Flavor: Tart, citrusy with floral notes

Best Uses: Baking, desserts, cooking

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–9

Notes: A prized French heirloom known for making exquisite tarts. Grows best in full sun with well-draining soil. Benefits from a pollination partner.

 

Carolina Red June Apple

Color & Characteristics: Bright red skin with crisp, white flesh

Flavor: Slightly tart and refreshing

Best Uses: Fresh eating, early-season pies

Ripens: Very early (late June to early July)

Zones: 5–9

Notes: One of the first apples to ripen each year. Vigorous tree with reliable yields. Great for warm climates and early harvests.

 

Cherry Cox Apple

Color & Characteristics: Cherry-red skin, juicy flesh

Flavor: Rich, sweet-tart with floral notes

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: A flavorful cross with Cox’s Orange Pippin heritage. Grows well in full sun and cooler climates. Needs a pollinator for best results.

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Cortland Apple

Color & Characteristics: Bright red with white flesh that resists browning

Flavor: Mildly tart, crisp

Best Uses: Fresh eating, salads, baking

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: A classic all-purpose apple that holds its shape in cooking and stays fresh in fruit salads. Reliable in cooler climates.

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Cranberry Pippin Apple

Color & Characteristics: Yellow-green skin with blush, firm texture

Flavor: Tart with cranberry-like tang

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: A unique, lesser-known variety with zesty flavor. Great for pies and preserves. Needs cross-pollination and full sun.

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Cripps Pink Apple

Color & Characteristics: Pink-red blush over yellow background, crisp and firm

Flavor: Sweet-tart with tropical undertones

Best Uses: Fresh eating, salads

Ripens: Very late (October to November)

Zones: 6–9

Notes: Needs a long, warm growing season to develop full flavor. Requires another late-blooming apple for pollination.

 

Crow Egg Apple

Color & Characteristics: Yellow-green with red blush; small-sized fruit

Flavor: Tart and refreshing

Best Uses: Snacking, lunchboxes

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: An old Southern heirloom, ideal for small hands and early harvests. Grows well in containers and prefers full sun.

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Early Harvest Apple

Color & Characteristics: Pale yellow skin, juicy and crisp

Flavor: Mildly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating, early pies

Ripens: Very early (June to early July)

Zones: 4–8

Notes: One of the earliest apples to pick. Short storage life but excellent flavor right off the tree. Cross-pollination required.

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Esopus Spitzenberg Apple

Color & Characteristics: Deep red skin with orange streaks; fine-grained flesh

Flavor: Sweet, aromatic, slightly spicy

Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: Thomas Jefferson’s favorite apple. Requires good air circulation and another pollinator variety. Rich flavor improves with storage.

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Fox Apple

Color & Characteristics: Red blush over yellow-green; small, firm apples

Flavor: Sweet-tart and crisp

Best Uses: Fresh eating, snacking

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Compact and productive tree ideal for small orchards. Requires a pollinator. Great for lunchbox-sized fruit.

Gala Apple

Color & Characteristics: Red-orange with yellow stripes; small to medium size, firm and crisp

Flavor: Sweet with mildly floral notes

Best Uses: Fresh eating, snacking

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 4–9

Notes: A consistent producer and kid favorite. Keeps well in storage and holds its crunch.

 

Ginger Gold Apple

Color & Characteristics: Pale yellow with smooth skin; medium-sized and crisp

Flavor: Sweet with mild tartness and a hint of spice

Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking

Ripens: Very early season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: One of the first apples to ripen each year. Does not brown quickly when cut—great for salads.

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Golden Russet Apple

Color & Characteristics: Golden-brown russeted skin; small, dense fruit

Flavor: Rich, sweet, nutty

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cider

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: An heirloom cider apple with excellent sugar content. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

 

Golden Sweet Apple

Color & Characteristics: Bright yellow skin; smooth and shiny

Flavor: Very sweet, honey-like

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: Low acidity and high sugar make this a top choice for sweet lovers. Needs a pollination partner for best yield.

 

Granny Smith Apple

Color & Characteristics: Bright green, firm skin; crisp and tart

Flavor: Very tart with zesty bite

Best Uses: Baking, fresh eating, salads

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 6–9

Notes: Holds shape well in pies and crisps. Benefits from long growing seasons and warm fall weather.

 

Grimes Golden Apple

Color & Characteristics: Yellow-green skin; small to medium size

Flavor: Sweet with mild tartness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, sauce

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Historic West Virginia variety and parent of Golden Delicious. Needs good airflow to avoid disease.

 

Honey Cider Apple

Color & Characteristics: Golden yellow to blush red; medium-sized, firm

Flavor: Sweet with honey-like notes

Best Uses: Cider, fresh beverages

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Great juice content and balanced sugars. A favorite among craft cider makers.

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Honeycrisp Apple

Color & Characteristics: Red over yellow; large, very crisp and juicy

Flavor: Sweet with a touch of honey

Best Uses: Fresh eating, salads

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 4–7

Notes: Needs careful pruning and spacing. Stores well if picked at peak ripeness.

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Jonagold Apple

Color & Characteristics: Golden base with red blush; large and firm

Flavor: Sweet, juicy, mildly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious. Requires cross-pollination for good fruit set.

 

King David Apple

Color & Characteristics: Deep red skin; medium size with firm flesh

Flavor: Sweet and tart with rich flavor

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Originated in Arkansas. Disease-resistant and good for organic growing systems.

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King of Pippin Apple

Color & Characteristics: Yellow-green base with red blush; medium-sized and firm

Flavor: Rich, sweet-tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating, pies

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: A European favorite with excellent balance. Stores well and develops flavor after harvest.

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Maiden Blush Apple

Color & Characteristics: Pale yellow with rosy blush; smooth and attractive

Flavor: Sweet, slightly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves

Ripens: Early season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: One of the earliest ripening apples. Excellent for drying and old-fashioned preserves.

 

Mammoth Blacktwig Apple

Color & Characteristics: Deep red with green highlights; medium-sized and dense

Flavor: Sweet, slightly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Vigorous and productive. Also known as Paragon. Excellent keeper and strong grower.

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Medaille d’Or Apple

Color & Characteristics: Golden-yellow with russeting; small to medium size

Flavor: Sweet and aromatic

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–9

Notes: A traditional French cider apple that also performs well fresh. High sugar content.

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Mollie’s Delicious Apple

Color & Characteristics: Pinkish-red over yellow; large and juicy

Flavor: Sweet and juicy

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: Early ripening and attractive. Best eaten fresh as it does not store long.

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Mother Apple

Color & Characteristics: Red over greenish-yellow; medium-sized with soft flesh

Flavor: Sweet with slight tartness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: An old New England variety with aromatic flavor. Requires a pollinator for best yield.

 

Myers Red Limbertwig Apple

Color & Characteristics: Deep red skin; medium-sized and firm

Flavor: Sweet and tangy

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: A regional Southern heirloom with classic Limbertwig flavor. Good disease resistance.

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Meyers Royal Limbertwig Apple

Color & Characteristics: Red and green skin; medium-sized with dense flesh

Flavor: Sweet, slightly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating, pies

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Another prized Limbertwig variety with bold flavor and strong storage potential.

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Parks Pippin Apple

Color & Characteristics: Greenish-yellow with light russeting; medium-sized and crisp

Flavor: Slightly tart with bright acidity

Best Uses: Fresh eating, pies

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Also known as Mammoth Pippin. Benefits from full sun and a pollination partner.

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Pink Pearl Apple

Color & Characteristics: Pale yellow-green skin with bright pink flesh; medium-sized and crisp

Flavor: Tart and aromatic

Best Uses: Fresh eating, culinary use

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 5–9

Notes: A showstopper in salads and desserts. Best flavor when grown in full sun. Needs a pollinator.

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Rattle Core Apple

Color & Characteristics: Greenish-yellow skin with a red blush; medium-sized and firm

Flavor: Sweet and mildly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Rare heritage apple with a dense core that rattles when shaken. Benefits from good drainage and a pollination partner.

 

Red Limbertwig Apple

Color & Characteristics: Deep red skin; medium-sized with firm, fine-grained flesh

Flavor: Sweet and slightly tangy

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Classic Appalachian variety known for strong limbs and excellent storage. Needs cross-pollination.

 

Roxbury Russet Apple

Color & Characteristics: Russeted green-gold skin; small to medium-sized

Flavor: Sweet, nutty

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cider

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: America’s oldest named apple variety. Rich in sugar—excellent for hard cider. Stores exceptionally well.

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Shenandoah Apple

Color & Characteristics: Yellow-green skin with a red blush; large and crisp

Flavor: Sweet and slightly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Developed for disease resistance and long storage. Productive tree that benefits from full sun.

 

Shockley Apple

Color & Characteristics: Yellow skin with red striping; medium-sized and firm

Flavor: Sweet and slightly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Southern heirloom with good keeping quality. Great for pies and old-fashioned cooking.

 

Spice of Old Virginia Apple

Color & Characteristics: Red-striped over greenish-yellow; medium-sized with aromatic flesh

Flavor: Spicy, aromatic

Best Uses: Fresh eating, traditional dishes

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Distinctive flavor profile makes it ideal for heirloom recipes. Needs a pollination partner and good airflow.

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Stayman Apple

Color & Characteristics: Dull red over green; medium to large with dense, crisp flesh

Flavor: Sweet-tart and spicy

Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Popular old American variety. Best flavor develops after a few weeks of storage. Requires a pollinator.

 

Summer Rose Apple

Color & Characteristics: Pale yellow with a rosy blush; small and tender-fleshed

Flavor: Sweet, lightly floral

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Early season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: An early summer treat. Delicate skin and soft flesh—enjoy soon after harvest. Needs cross-pollination.

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Unknown Ohio Apple

Color & Characteristics: Details vary; likely medium-sized with red or red-blushed skin

Flavor: Sweet to mildly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating (based on regional accounts)

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Heirloom of uncertain origin. Retains value as a regional heritage variety. Grows best with a pollination partner.

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Virginia Beauty Apple

Color & Characteristics: Deep red skin; medium-sized with fine-grained flesh

Flavor: Sweet, slightly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cider

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Classic Southern apple with beautiful fruit and dependable yield. Benefits from full sun and good airflow.

 

Virginia Gold Apple

Color & Characteristics: Golden yellow with russeted patches; small, firm apples

Flavor: Sweet, nutty

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cider

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Rare regional variety with great character and high sugar content. Needs a pollinator for good set.

 

Virginia Limbertwig Apple

Color & Characteristics: Green to red-blushed skin; medium-sized, dense flesh

Flavor: Sweet, slightly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Classic Appalachian Limbertwig with traditional flavor. Long storage life. Tree has characteristic drooping limbs.

 

Virginia Sweet Apple

Color & Characteristics: Yellow-green skin with red blush; medium-sized

Flavor: Sweet with mild tartness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Balanced and versatile. A dependable Southern cultivar. Cross-pollination improves yield.

 

Willow Twig Apple

Color & Characteristics: Dull red with green undertones; medium-sized with firm flesh

Flavor: Sweet, tangy

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Excellent keeping apple from the 1800s. Trees are hardy and productive. Requires a pollination partner.

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Williams Pride Apple

Color & Characteristics: Deep red skin; medium-sized and very crisp

Flavor: Sweet with slight tartness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking

Ripens: Early season

Zones: 5–9

Notes: Disease-resistant and precocious. One of the best early season apples for home growers. Self-fertile but benefits from a pollinator.

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Winesap Apple

Color & Characteristics: Dark red skin; medium-sized with firm, juicy flesh

Flavor: Tart, wine-like

Best Uses: Cider-making, fresh eating

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: Long-time favorite for hard cider. Excellent keeper. Requires cross-pollination for good production.

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Winter Banana Apple

Color & Characteristics: Pale yellow with a pink blush; large, smooth-skinned fruit

Flavor: Sweet with a hint of banana aroma

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Unique aroma makes this apple stand out. Often used as a pollinator due to its long bloom period. Stores moderately well.

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Wintergreen Apple

Color & Characteristics: Red blush over green-yellow skin; medium-sized with crisp texture

Flavor: Sweet, mildly tart

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Hardy and reliable variety. Ideal for cool climates. Keeps well and retains flavor in storage.

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Yankee Sweet Apple

Color & Characteristics: Red over yellow-green; small to medium-sized with tender flesh

Flavor: Sweet with a mild tartness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, culinary use

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Old New England variety known for its smooth, pleasant flavor. Best grown with a pollinator for optimal yield.

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Hewes Virginia Crab Apple (Virginia Crab)

Color & Characteristics: Small, yellow-red fruit with firm, dense flesh

Flavor: Sharp, astringent, and highly aromatic

Best Uses: Cider-making

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 4–8

Notes: Revered colonial-era cider apple. Excellent for hard cider blends. Tree is hardy, disease-resistant, and vigorous.

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