New Hampshire is known for its crisp, flavorful apples, thanks to its diverse climate and rich soil. Whether you’re a local looking to pick the best varieties or a visitor eager to taste the state’s harvest, understanding the different types of apples grown in NH can help you make informed choices. This list covers ten popular apple varieties found across the state, detailing their unique flavors, uses, and what makes each one worth trying.
1. McIntosh
The McIntosh apple is a classic New England favorite, renowned for its tender, juicy flesh and tart-sweet flavor. Originating from Ontario but widely cultivated in NH, it’s perfect for eating fresh, making applesauce, or baking. Its soft texture and aromatic profile make it a go-to for apple lovers seeking a traditional, versatile apple.
2. Cortland
The Cortland apple is a popular cross between McIntosh and Ben Davis, developed specifically for its superior storage and resistance to browning. It offers a crisp bite with a balanced tartness and a sweet finish, making it excellent for salads, pies, and fresh snacking. Its vibrant red skin and firm texture keep it appealing from harvest to table.
3. Empire
The Empire apple is a cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, combining the best qualities of both. It features a firm, crisp texture with a mildly tart flavor, making it ideal for eating out of hand or using in salads. Its durability during storage also makes it a favorite for those who want apples that last longer.
4. Ginger Gold
Ginger Gold is an early-season apple known for its smooth, yellowish skin and sweet, mildly spicy flavor reminiscent of ginger. It’s one of the first apples available in NH each fall, perfect for fresh eating and light baking. Its tender flesh and bright flavor make it a popular choice for apple enthusiasts seeking a less tart option.
5. Red Delicious
The Red Delicious is one of the most recognizable apple varieties, distinguished by its deep red color and conical shape. While it’s often criticized for its softer flesh, in NH, when harvested at peak ripeness, it offers a sweet, mildly flavored experience. It’s best enjoyed fresh and is often used for snacking or decorating apple dishes.
6. Gala
Gala apples are prized for their sweet, floral flavor and crisp texture. They have a distinctive orange-red skin with yellow undertones, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty. NH growers appreciate Gala for their versatility, whether eaten fresh, sliced into salads, or used in baking where their sweetness shines through.
7. Honeycrisp
Honeycrisp has become a standout in NH orchards due to its exceptional juiciness and balance of sweetness and tartness. Its large, mottled red and yellow skin makes it visually striking, and its firm texture holds up well in recipes. This variety is favored for its satisfying crunch and complex flavor profile, making it a top choice for fresh eating.
8. Paula Red
Paula Red is an early apple variety that offers a tart, tangy flavor with a firm, crisp bite. Its bright red skin and juicy interior make it ideal for baking, cider, or eating fresh during the early fall months. Its vigorous growth and reliable harvest make it a common sight in NH orchards.
9. Northern Spy
Northern Spy is a historic apple variety known for its excellent baking qualities and complex flavor. It has a slightly tart taste with a hint of spice, and its firm flesh holds up well under heat, making it perfect for pies and crisps. This apple has a rich history in NH and remains a favorite among bakers and cider makers.
10. Macoun
The Macoun apple is a deep red, juicy apple with a sweet, slightly tart flavor. Known for its aromatic profile and tender yet firm flesh, it’s often considered one of the best apples for fresh eating in NH. Its delicate flavor makes it a prized variety for those seeking a premium, flavorful apple experience.
How to Choose
When selecting apples in NH, consider what you’ll use them for—fresh eating, baking, or making cider. Look for apples that are firm to the touch, free of bruises or blemishes, and with vibrant color matching the variety’s typical appearance. The season also matters; early varieties like Paula Red and Ginger Gold are best in early fall, while later varieties like McIntosh and Empire peak later in the season. Smelling the apple can also give clues to its ripeness—fragrant, sweet aromas indicate good flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best apple for baking in NH? The Northern Spy and Cortland are excellent choices due to their firm flesh and tart flavor that holds up well in pies and crisps.
- When is apple harvest season in NH? Most apples are harvested from late August through October, with early varieties like Ginger Gold appearing in late August and later varieties like McIntosh and Empire in September and October.
- Are NH apples organic? Many orchards in NH offer organic options, but it depends on the farm. Always ask at local farmers’ markets or farmstands about their growing practices.
- How should I store apples from NH farms? Store apples in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer to extend freshness. Keep varieties separate if possible to prevent flavor transfer.
- What makes NH apples unique compared to other states? NH’s cool climate and diverse soil conditions produce apples with a crisp texture and complex flavor profiles that are highly prized for fresh eating and cider making.
Final Thoughts
New Hampshire offers a rich variety of apples, each with its own unique qualities suited for different tastes and uses. From the sweet, aromatic Macoun to the versatile Cortland and the crisp Honeycrisp, there’s an apple for every preference. Knowing what each variety offers helps you select the best apples whether you’re enjoying them fresh, baking, or making cider. Visiting local orchards and farmers’ markets provides the freshest options and a chance to experience NH’s apple heritage firsthand. Happy apple picking!
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