Remember the days when we all ate McIntosh apples? If I remember correctly, my mother told me that Rome Beauty apples are only for baking. Her rationale was that they were nice and big, and therefore were easier to peel for cooking or baking, and gave a nicer appearance as baked apples.
The apple (not a MAC) discussion began one day last week in our office. We asked all of our colleagues which was their favorite apple, since today, when you visit a fruit and vegetable store, you can be overwhelmed by the many different types of apples.
What will it be, I asked? Macs, Delicious or Golden Delicious, Gala, Empire, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Lobo, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Cortland? Interestingly, when Jill stated that her favorite was McIntosh, there was a general “ick” around the office. Most agreed that Honey Crisp is their favorite. No one could imagine eating a soft, mushy apple. Jennifer proved her very gourmet appetite when she mentioned that although she likes Honey Crisps, she really enjoys Macoun apples, which is an apple that is a cross between a McIntosh and a Jersey Black. Elizabeth, who stated that her favorite apple is the Cosmic Crisp, led me to Amazon on a hunch. The Cosmic Crisp is available for $42 for four apples. It is a good thing that she did not tell her husband prior to marriage that those were her favorites!
All in all, it was a fun discussion and experiment. We would love to hear from our readers regarding their specific likes or dislikes with regard to apples. Let us know!
By Nina Glick