Types Of Apples In Ontario (2024)

In Ontario, there is a wide variety of apples available for cultivation and consumption. According to the Ontario Apple Growers, the province is home to over 50 different varieties of apples, ranging from tart to sweet flavours. In 2022, the average yield of apples in Ontario was 18.1 tonnes per hectare, with an average total harvested area of 2,402 hectares.

The types of apples in Ontario includes Honeycrisp, Macintosh, Empire, Cortland, and Gala Apples. These five varieties account for over 60% of the total apple production in the province.

Types Of Apples In Ontario

1. Honeycrisp

Honeycrisp apples are a popular type of Apple in Ontario. They are known for their sweet and juicy taste and crisp texture. The Honeycrisp is a cross between the Macoun and Honeygold apple varieties, and is a relatively new apple variety, first developed in Minnesota in the early 1990s.

Honeycrisp apples require a cold climate to grow, and are a late season variety, with a harvest time from late August to early October in Ontario. The apple trees need plenty of sun and well-drained soil, and the apples are best when picked from the tree rather than from the ground.

Honeycrisp apples have a distinctive light green skin with red striping, and the sweet, juicy taste makes them a great snack. They are also popular for baking and cooking, as they hold their shape well and don’t turn to mush when cooked. Honeycrisp apples can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

Honeycrisp apples can be found in many supermarkets and farmers markets in Ontario, as well as through local orchards and u-pick farms. They are a great local option for apples, and are sure to please with their sweet and juicy flavor.

2. Macintosh

Macintosh apples, originally cultivated in Ontario, Canada, are a popular variety of apple that is widely available in grocery stores and farmers markets throughout Ontario. The Macintosh apple is a medium-sized apple, with a deep red skin and white flesh. It is known for its sweet and tart flavor, with a hint of spiciness. The flesh is slightly firm and juicy, and it has a unique, tangy aroma.

Macintosh apples can be eaten fresh, cooked in pies, cakes, and other desserts, or used to make applesauce, cider, and apple butter. They are also used to make apple juice, vinegar, and wine. The tart flavor of the macintosh apple makes it an ideal choice for making apple pies, tarts, and other desserts.

Macintosh apples are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which may help protect against certain types of cancer and heart disease.

Macintosh apples are grown in many parts of Ontario, including the Niagara region, the Bruce Peninsula, and the Ottawa Valley. They are available in grocery stores, farmers markets, and roadside stands throughout the province. They can also be found in some specialty stores and online.

If you are looking for a delicious, tart apple that is widely available in Ontario, the Macintosh apple is an excellent choice. With its unique flavor and health benefits, this is one apple that you should certainly consider adding to your diet.

3. Empire

The Empire apple is an iconic variety of apple that has been grown in Ontario for generations. It is one of the most popular varieties in the province, and is known for its sweet, aromatic flavor and crunchy texture. The Empire apple is a cross between two other popular cultivars, the Northern Spy and the McIntosh. It was first developed in the 1930s in New York and was introduced to Ontario in the 1940s.

The Empire apple is a medium-sized apple with a bright red skin and yellow-green flesh. It has a sweet, tart flavor with a hint of spice, and it is often used in baking and cooking. The Empire apple is an excellent choice for pies, crisps, cobblers, and other desserts, and it is also great for eating fresh.

The Empire apple is a hardy variety that is well suited to the cold climate of Ontario. It is an easy to grow variety and is tolerant of frost, wind, and mildew. The Empire apple is a late season variety which means it ripens later than other varieties, usually from late September to October.

The Empire apple is a popular choice for many commercial apple growers in Ontario, and it is also a popular choice for home gardeners. It is a great choice for apple sauce, pies, and other desserts, and it is also great for eating fresh. The Empire apple is an iconic variety of apple that has been grown in Ontario for generations, and it is sure to remain a favorite for many years to come.

4. Cortland

Another type of apple in Ontario is the Cortland Apple. The Cortland apple is a popular variety of apple grown in Ontario, Canada. It is a cross between the McIntosh and Ben Davis apples, and is a medium-sized firm apple. The skin of the Cortland is pale yellow, and is often streaked with red. The flesh of the apple is white and juicy, with a sweet-tart flavor.

Cortland apples are best suited for both fresh eating and cooking. When eaten fresh, the Cortland has a juicy, sweet-tart flavor and crunchy texture. When cooked, the Cortland will hold its shape and has a mild sweet flavor. It is commonly used in pies, tarts, sauces, and salads.

Cortland apples are available in the fall and winter months in Ontario. They are best stored in the refrigerator and should be used within two weeks. To maximize freshness, the Cortland apples should not be washed until ready to be eaten.

5. Gala

The Gala apple is a type of apple in Ontario that originated in New Zealand in the 1930s. It is now grown in many countries, including Ontario in Canada. The Gala apple is known for its sweet, crisp taste and juicy texture. It is a popular variety for both fresh-eating and cooking.

The Gala apple is medium-sized, round or slightly oblong in shape. Its skin is thin and smooth, with a yellowish-orange background color and red striping. The flesh is firm and creamy white. The Gala apple is moderately sweet with a slight tartness.

Gala apples are available throughout the year in Ontario, but peak season is from late September through December. The Gala apple is a good all-purpose apple, suitable for both fresh eating and cooking. It holds its shape well when cooked and is often used for pies, tarts, sauces and other desserts.

Gala apples are grown in many regions of Ontario, including the Niagara Peninsula, Essex County, and the Ganaraska Hills. They are available at farmers’ markets, grocery stores and specialty produce stores. When selecting a Gala apple, look for a firm, smooth and blemish-free fruit. The apple should feel heavy for its size and the skin should be free of any bruises or dark spots.

The Gala apple is a great eating apple and is also an excellent choice for baking and cooking. With its sweet-tart flavor and firm texture, the Gala apple is a popular variety for many Ontario cooks.

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Conclusion

Ontario is home to a wide variety of apples, from sweet to tart, from crunchy to soft and from yellow to red. From the classic Macintosh and Red Delicious to the more unique Honeycrisp and Ambrosia, there’s an apple in Ontario for every taste and every season.

Whether you’re looking for an apple to eat freshly picked or one to bake into a delicious pie, Ontario’s selection of apples has something to offer. With so many types of apples available in Ontario, it’s easy to find the perfect apple for any occasion. So, that is all you need to know about the types of apples in Ontario.