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Apples

48 kinds of apples described and visualized

Apples are the widely cultivated fruits of the genus Malus, primarily represented by the domesticated species Malus domestica, cherished globally for their versatility, flavor, and cultural importance.

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Collage of 12 kinds of Apples - including melrose, empire, and mutsu
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Kinds of Apples

Origin Story

The story of apples begins in Central Asia, where wild ancestors like Malus sieversii first grew. Over millennia, humans selectively bred these wild apples, leading to the domesticated Malus domestica we know today. This cultivation spread through trade routes and agricultural development, shaping the diverse varieties found worldwide.

Classification

Apples belong to the Rosaceae family, within the genus Malus. The primary cultivated species is Malus domestica, encompassing thousands of named cultivars. Classification can be botanical, focusing on species and genetic lineage, or practical, dividing apples by use such as dessert, cooking, or cider varieties. Regional and heritage groupings further enrich their taxonomy.

Appearance or Form

Apples typically present as round or slightly oval fruits with smooth skin that varies in color from green and yellow to shades of red and bi-color blends. Their flesh is firm to crisp, juicy, and ranges from sweet to tart. The fruit’s size, shape, and coloration often reflect its cultivar and intended use.

Behavior or Usage

Apples serve multiple roles in human life: eaten fresh as dessert apples, cooked into dishes, or fermented into cider. Their adaptability extends to baking, sauces, and preservation. Beyond culinary uses, apples contribute to agriculture through breeding programs aimed at improving flavor, disease resistance, and storage life.

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Melrose

Melrose

Melrose is a celebrated American apple cultivar, prized for its firm texture, balanced flavor, and outstanding storage qualities.

Empire

Empire

Empire is a popular dessert apple cultivar, prized for its crisp texture, balanced sweet-tart flavor, and attractive deep red skin.

Mutsu

Mutsu

Mutsu, also known as Crispin, is a large, crisp, and versatile apple cultivar prized for both fresh eating and culinary use.

Arkansas Black

Arkansas Black

Arkansas Black is a heritage apple cultivar celebrated for its strikingly dark skin, firm texture, and remarkable storage life.

Cameo

Cameo

Cameo is a modern American dessert apple prized for its crisp texture, balanced sweetness, and striking red-striped appearance.

McIntosh

McIntosh

McIntosh is a classic North American apple cultivar, prized for its aromatic sweet-tart flavor and tender, juicy flesh.

Enterprise

Enterprise

Enterprise is a modern American apple cultivar prized for its disease resistance, crisp texture, and balanced flavor, making it a standout choice for both fresh eating and storage.

Egremont Russet

Egremont Russet

Egremont Russet is a classic English dessert apple, instantly recognizable by its rough, golden-brown russeted skin and celebrated for its sweet, nutty flavor.

Ashmead's Kernel

Ashmead's Kernel

Ashmead's Kernel is a historic English dessert apple famed for its russeted skin and complex, aromatic flavor.

Ginger Gold

Ginger Gold

Ginger Gold is an early-season dessert apple prized for its crisp texture, pale yellow skin, and mild, sweet flavor—making it one of the first fresh apples available each year in North America.

King David

King David

King David is a heritage apple cultivar from Arkansas, celebrated for its intense flavor and versatility in eating, baking, and cider making.

Paula Red

Paula Red

Paula Red is an early-ripening American apple cultivar prized for its balanced tart-sweet flavor and vibrant red skin, making it a favorite for fresh eating and applesauce.

Grimes Golden

Grimes Golden

Grimes Golden is a historic American apple cultivar renowned for its spicy-sweet flavor, golden skin, and pivotal role in apple breeding.

Stayman

Stayman

Stayman is a celebrated American apple cultivar prized for its rich, spicy flavor, firm texture, and versatility in both fresh eating and culinary use.

Jonathan

Jonathan

Jonathan is a classic American apple cultivar renowned for its balanced sweet-tart flavor and versatile use in fresh eating, baking, and cider.

Fuji

Fuji

Fuji is a globally popular dessert apple celebrated for its exceptional sweetness, crisp texture, and remarkable storage life.

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Cultural Significance

Apples hold a prominent place in art, mythology, and modern culture. Symbolizing knowledge, temptation, and health, they appear in countless stories and traditions worldwide. From folklore to contemporary branding, apples continue to inspire and connect communities through shared heritage and culinary enjoyment.

Notable Facts

  • There are thousands of apple cultivars, each with unique flavors and uses.
  • Apples belong to the Rosaceae family, related to pears and quinces but distinct in taxonomy.
  • The domesticated apple originated from wild species native to Central Asia.
  • Apple cultivars are named and registered under international standards to maintain consistency.
  • Apples are cultivated globally, with heritage varieties preserved for biodiversity and cultural history.

Kinds of Apples

Explore the range of forms, textures, and traditions within this collection.

Sorted by popularity

Editorial-style image of a single Melrose from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Melrose

Melrose is a celebrated American apple cultivar, prized for its firm texture, balanced flavor, and outstanding storage qualities.

Editorial-style image of a single Empire from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Empire

Empire is a popular dessert apple cultivar, prized for its crisp texture, balanced sweet-tart flavor, and attractive deep red skin.

Editorial-style image of a single Mutsu (Crispin) from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Mutsu

Mutsu, also known as Crispin, is a large, crisp, and versatile apple cultivar prized for both fresh eating and culinary use.

Editorial-style image of a single Arkansas Black from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Arkansas Black

Arkansas Black is a heritage apple cultivar celebrated for its strikingly dark skin, firm texture, and remarkable storage life.

Editorial-style image of a single Cameo from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Cameo

Cameo is a modern American dessert apple prized for its crisp texture, balanced sweetness, and striking red-striped appearance.

Editorial-style image of a single McIntosh from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

McIntosh

McIntosh is a classic North American apple cultivar, prized for its aromatic sweet-tart flavor and tender, juicy flesh.

Editorial-style image of a single Enterprise from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Enterprise

Enterprise is a modern American apple cultivar prized for its disease resistance, crisp texture, and balanced flavor, making it a standout choice for both fresh eating and storage.

Editorial-style image of a single Egremont Russet from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Egremont Russet

Egremont Russet is a classic English dessert apple, instantly recognizable by its rough, golden-brown russeted skin and celebrated for its sweet, nutty flavor.

Editorial-style image of a single Ashmead's Kernel from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Ashmead's Kernel

Ashmead's Kernel is a historic English dessert apple famed for its russeted skin and complex, aromatic flavor.

Editorial-style image of a single Ginger Gold from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Ginger Gold

Ginger Gold is an early-season dessert apple prized for its crisp texture, pale yellow skin, and mild, sweet flavor—making it one of the first fresh apples available each year in North America.

Editorial-style image of a single King David from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

King David

King David is a heritage apple cultivar from Arkansas, celebrated for its intense flavor and versatility in eating, baking, and cider making.

Editorial-style image of a single Paula Red from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Paula Red

Paula Red is an early-ripening American apple cultivar prized for its balanced tart-sweet flavor and vibrant red skin, making it a favorite for fresh eating and applesauce.

Editorial-style image of a single Grimes Golden from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Grimes Golden

Grimes Golden is a historic American apple cultivar renowned for its spicy-sweet flavor, golden skin, and pivotal role in apple breeding.

Editorial-style image of a single Stayman from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Stayman

Stayman is a celebrated American apple cultivar prized for its rich, spicy flavor, firm texture, and versatility in both fresh eating and culinary use.

Editorial-style image of a single Jonathan from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Jonathan

Jonathan is a classic American apple cultivar renowned for its balanced sweet-tart flavor and versatile use in fresh eating, baking, and cider.

Editorial-style image of a single Fuji from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Fuji

Fuji is a globally popular dessert apple celebrated for its exceptional sweetness, crisp texture, and remarkable storage life.

Editorial-style image of a single Golden Delicious from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Golden Delicious

Golden Delicious is a globally renowned apple cultivar prized for its sweet flavor, crisp texture, and versatility in both fresh eating and cooking.

Editorial-style image of a single SweeTango from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

SweeTango

SweeTango is a modern dessert apple celebrated for its crisp texture, juicy flesh, and vibrant, sweet-tart flavor.

Editorial-style image of a single Gala from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Gala

Gala is a globally popular dessert apple cultivar, celebrated for its sweet flavor, crisp texture, and vibrant coloration.

Editorial-style image of a single Red Delicious from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Red Delicious

The 'Red Delicious' apple is an iconic deep red dessert apple, celebrated for its crisp texture, elongated shape, and enduring popularity in markets worldwide.

Editorial-style image of a single Braeburn from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Braeburn

Braeburn is a celebrated apple cultivar known for its crisp texture, balanced flavor, and exceptional versatility in fresh eating and culinary use.

Editorial-style image of a single Honeycrisp from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Honeycrisp

Honeycrisp is a celebrated modern apple cultivar, prized for its explosively crisp texture, juicy bite, and balanced sweet-tart flavor.

Editorial-style image of a single Jonagold from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Jonagold

Jonagold is a celebrated apple cultivar prized for its large size, vibrant coloration, and harmonious blend of sweetness and mild tartness, making it a favorite for both eating fresh and culinary use.

Editorial-style image of a single Russet from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Russet

Russet apples are a distinctive group of apples known for their rough, brownish skin and complex, aromatic flavors.

Editorial-style image of a single Idared from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Idared

Idared is a dual-purpose apple cultivar renowned for its bright red skin, crisp texture, and exceptional storage life, making it a favorite for both fresh eating and cooking.

Editorial-style image of a single Cortland from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Cortland

Cortland is a dual-purpose apple cultivar prized for its crisp texture, bright red skin, and remarkable resistance to browning, making it a favorite for both fresh eating and culinary use.

Editorial-style image of a single Northern Spy from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Northern Spy

Northern Spy is a celebrated American apple cultivar prized for its crisp texture, balanced flavor, and exceptional performance in both eating and baking.

Editorial-style image of a single Pink Lady from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Cripps Pink

Pink Lady apples, officially known as 'Cripps Pink', are a globally celebrated dessert apple prized for their crisp texture, vibrant pink blush, and balanced sweet-tart flavor.

Editorial-style image of a single Ambrosia from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Ambrosia

Ambrosia is a modern dessert apple cultivar celebrated for its honeyed sweetness, crisp texture, and attractive bi-colored skin.

Editorial-style image of a single Rome from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Rome Beauty

Rome Beauty, commonly known as 'Rome', is a celebrated American apple cultivar prized for its exceptional baking qualities and striking deep red appearance.

Editorial-style image of a single Opal from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Opal

Opal is a vibrant yellow dessert apple prized for its sweet flavor, crisp texture, and remarkable resistance to browning.

Editorial-style image of a single Jazz from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Jazz

Jazz is a modern dessert apple cultivar celebrated for its crisp texture, vibrant color, and balanced sweet-tart flavor, originating from New Zealand and now enjoyed worldwide.

Editorial-style image of a single Pacific Rose from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Pacific Rose

Pacific Rose is a premium dessert apple cultivar renowned for its sweet flavor, crisp texture, and rosy pink skin, originating from New Zealand.

Editorial-style image of a single Bramley from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Bramley

Bramley is the definitive British cooking apple, prized for its large size, vibrant acidity, and unrivaled performance in pies, sauces, and baked dishes.

Editorial-style image of a single Elstar from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Elstar

Elstar is a celebrated dessert apple cultivar, prized for its aromatic flavor and vibrant appearance, originating from the Netherlands.

Editorial-style image of a single Liberty from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Liberty

Liberty is a disease-resistant apple cultivar prized for its crisp texture, vibrant red skin, and reliable productivity in North American orchards.

Editorial-style image of a single Rubinette from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Rubinette

Rubinette is a Swiss-bred dessert apple celebrated for its exceptional flavor, aromatic complexity, and dedicated following among apple enthusiasts.

Editorial-style image of a single Discovery from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Discovery

Discovery is a celebrated early-season dessert apple, prized for its crisp texture, vibrant red skin, and refreshing sweet-tart flavor.

Editorial-style image of a single Cox's Orange Pippin from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Cox's Orange Pippin

Cox's Orange Pippin is a celebrated English dessert apple, renowned for its complex flavor and aromatic intensity.

Editorial-style image of a single Lodi from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Lodi

Lodi is an early-season apple cultivar prized for its tart flavor and exceptional suitability for cooking, especially in applesauce and pies.

Editorial-style image of a single York Imperial from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

York Imperial

York Imperial is a historic American apple cultivar renowned for its distinctive lopsided shape, firm texture, and exceptional keeping quality, making it a favorite for baking and long-term storage.

Editorial-style image of a single Suncrisp from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Suncrisp

Suncrisp is a modern American dessert apple prized for its exceptional crispness, balanced flavor, and outstanding storage qualities.

Editorial-style image of a single Newton Pippin from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Newton Pippin

Newton Pippin is a historic American apple cultivar renowned for its complex flavor, exceptional keeping qualities, and dual-purpose versatility in both fresh eating and cooking.

Editorial-style image of a single Crispin from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Mutsu

Mutsu, widely known as 'Crispin', is a large, crisp, and versatile apple cultivar prized for both fresh eating and cooking.

Editorial-style image of a single Spitzenburg (Esopus) from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Spitzenburg (Esopus)

Spitzenburg (Esopus) is a celebrated American heritage apple cultivar, renowned for its vibrant red skin and complex, spicy flavor.

Editorial-style image of a single Spartan from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Spartan

Spartan is a Canadian-bred dessert apple prized for its crisp texture, sweet flavor, and striking deep red skin.

Editorial-style image of a single Winesap from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Winesap

Winesap is a heritage American apple cultivar renowned for its deep red skin, crisp texture, and distinctive wine-like flavor, prized for both eating and cider making.

Editorial-style image of a single Granny Smith from the taxonomy apples, dramatically lit against a dark gradient background to highlight color and texture.

Granny Smith

The Granny Smith apple is a globally recognized cultivar famed for its vibrant green skin, crisp texture, and refreshingly tart flavor.

A collection is complete only when its kinds are seen in full.

Common Questions

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a cultivar and a variety?
A: A cultivar is a plant variety produced by selective breeding, while a variety can refer to a naturally occurring botanical rank; the terms sometimes overlap in horticulture.

Q: Are all apples sweet?
A: No, apples range from sweet to tart depending on the cultivar and intended use.

Q: Where did apples originally come from?
A: Apples originated in Central Asia from wild species like Malus sieversii before domestication.

�Every taxonomy ends in another horizon of meaning.�

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