Apples and Pears
- Apple Varieties- By Maturity Date - Apples are listed in order of the typical maturity date in our area. Early apples (July, August, and early September) are typically only available for a few weeks after their first maturity date. Late apples may be available for weeks to months after their first maturity date.
- Storage - Apples store best cold, or at least cool. They may be stored at room temperature, but expect to see spoilage begin in 1-3 weeks depending on variety. Early apples will store for a few weeks under refrigeration, while later apples may easily keep well for months if refrigerated (in fact some varieties require storage to develop full flavor). In general, the harder the apple the longer it will keep. Be aware that apples naturally emit ethylene gas (a plant ripening compound) which can ripen and potentially spoil nearby produce (particularly broccoli, cabbage, etc.).
Lodi
An early apple that begins firm, tart, and green ripening to be very soft, slightly sweet, and pale yellow. Good for cooking.
Pristine
The first good eating apple. Pristine tend to be small, yellow, and firm to soft with a sweet flavor that can have a slight hint of tart.
Zestar/Zesta
A good, early cooking and eating apple. Zesta have green to pink skin, a crisp texture and have a flavor of sweet and tart blended.
Redfree
One of the best early eating apples, Redfree shows green with red stripes early season and turns fully red at peak ripeness. It has a soft but firm, smooth texture and is sweet. Greener fruit may have a hint of tart.
Summer Mac
An early McIntosh type apple with creamy white flesh and sweet flavor.
William's Pride
A unique early apple, William's pride are such deep red that they are nearly purple or black, have pinkish flesh, and sport a unique sweet flavor with a distinct 'spiciness'. Good for eating.
Earligold
McIntosh
Ginger Gold
Honeygold
Honeycrisp
Gala
William's Early Red
Earliblaze
Liberty
Jonamac
Jonathan
Empire
Spartan
Jonagold
Northwest Greening
Ida Red
Golden Supreme