Apples from Yesterday to Tomorrow

In a couple of weeks I will be picking up some apple trees to plant myself. This will actually be the first time I have ever planted an apple tree myself. I am excited to give it ago. I choose 5 different apple varieties to plant and will be sharing with you why I picked each one and why I think that apple variety is worth your attention if you see them to buy.The first apple is the Roxbury Russet. It was one of my favorite heirloom apples and I am interested to see how the trees do from year to year. Take a listen to today’s episode to learn more about why and also check out what I wrote about Roxbury Russet on my blog.🍎 I keep a running 🍎✅❌ Buy & Skip Apple Guide, which is a list of apples based on what I’m actually seeing in stores right now—what’s worth the price, and what isn’t, so you don’t waste your money on disappointing apples.Paid subscribers get access to it, updated throughout the year as quality changes.You’ll also get access to my apple e-book and store guides, which break down how I find and evaluate different varieties in real-world grocery shopping.Not ready to commit? You can try it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

I have to say that there are apple varieties out there that I don’t pay enough attention to. They are good apples but I get distracted with other varieties. Well today we are going to give some much-needed attention to the delicious, tart-yet-sweet, Crimson Topaz apple. Learn all about this apple variety and some cool facts in this week’s podcast episode.🍎 I keep a running 🍎✅❌ Buy & Skip Apple Guide, which is a list of apples based on what I’m actually seeing in stores right now—what’s worth the price, and what isn’t, so you don’t waste your money on disappointing apples.Paid subscribers get access to it, updated throughout the year as quality changes. You’ll also get access to my apple e-book and store guides, which break down how I find and evaluate different varieties in real-world grocery shopping.Not ready to commit? You can try it out with a 7-day free trial.* Have you ever wondered how I find all these different apple varieties? I explain it in this podcast episode: Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

I have not been shy to share how much of a fan of smaller apples I am. I love the skin to flesh ratio you get in a smaller apple. This week I am sharing about one of my favorite small apples - the Pixie Crunch apple. Learn why if you like a flavorful sweet, small apple, you need to add this one to your must try list.You don’t see a lot of small apples in the grocery store. But we do have the Rock-It apple that is marketed as a small apple. Pixie Crunch is way better in my opinion, and we need to push to get it in more grocery stores.* Want to know what apples are worth buying right now and which ones you should skip? Check out 🍎✅❌ The Buy & Skip Apple Guide for Today. This guide is updated regularly throughout the year. It is an exclusive for my paid subscribers. You can check it out for free with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

One question I get asked of people time and time again, is how the heck am I finding all these different apples to talk about? Well I thought I would dedicate an entire podcast episode to answering that question for you. So take a listen and learn all of my “secrets”.* Tired of trying to pick out the best apple in the grocery store only to bring home something that wasn’t any good. Then you need 🍎✅❌ The Buy & Skip Apple Guide for Today. It is a simple, regularly updated guide that shows you which apples are worth buying right now and which ones you can safely skip as the season changes. This guide is a perk of being a paid subscriber, but you can also check it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

For this week’s podcast episode, I want to share with you an apple from the Netherlands that dates back to the 1800s - the Belle de Boskoop. This is an apple that I have found at several orchards that grow heirloom varieties. Learn all about it, why I buy these apples and why I would not want to try to make a big stack of them in a grocery store (I use to work in produce!).* Tired of trying to pick out the best apple in the grocery store only to bring home something that wasn’t any good. Then you need 🍎✅❌ The Buy & Skip Apple Guide for Today. It is a simple, regularly updated guide that shows you which apples are worth buying right now and which ones you can safely skip as the season changes. This guide is a perk of being a paid subscriber, but you can also check it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, so I thought I would share an episode featuring a green apple. If you are listening to this on St. Patrick’s Day I say it should count the same as wearing green, so you shouldn’t be pinched! There are many green apples out there besides Granny Smith, even if it is rare to find any other green apple in the grocery store. This episode is a throwback to one of my popular episodes of all time about the Shamrock apple. Take a listen and have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.If you are curious about learning more about green apple varieties not called Granny Smith, check out my post - Types of Green Apples.Tired of trying to pick out the best apple in the grocery store only to bring home something that wasn’t any good. Then you need 🍎✅❌ The Buy & Skip Apple Guide for Today. It is a simple, regularly updated guide that shows you which apples are worth buying right now and which ones you can safely skip as the season changes. This guide is a perk of being a paid subscriber, but you can also check it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Some apples never get a fair chance because they do not look supermarket pretty. That is the case with the Melrose apple. Recognized by Ohio as their official state apple, the Melrose is a well-balanced, sweet-tart apple that has great flavor. The ones in the photo above are the best ones I ever had in my life. Grocery stores won’t carry an apple that has all that browning on the skin, even though it is perfectly harmless. I would love to see that changed in markets but you can still find Melrose and so many other apples by visiting your local apple orchard, farm stand, or farmers market.Listen to today’s podcast episode to hear about what you are missing out on.* Tired of trying to pick out the best apple in the grocery store only to bring home something that wasn’t any good. Then you need 🍎✅❌ The Buy & Skip Apple Guide for Today. It is a simple, regularly updated guide that shows you which apples are worth buying right now and which ones you can safely skip as the season changes. This guide is a perk of being a paid subscriber, but you can also check it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Also called First Kiss in Minnesota, the Rave apple is one of the first apples to arrive in the grocery stores in August. But is it an apple that is worth your time or are there better options then? Learn what you need to know about this variety in today’s podcast episode.Rave is another apple variety that was created by crossing an apple with a Honeycrisp. I have an entire list of them you can check out here - 20 Apples Related to Honeycrisp ApplesI am rolling out a new perk for premium subscribers: 🍎✅❌ The Buy & Skip Apple Guide for Today. It is a simple, regularly updated guide that shows you which apples are worth buying right now and which ones you can safely skip as the season changes. You can check it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

I have been to farmers market and orchards from from coast to coast. And one apple variety that I see over and over again is the Zestar! apple. Learn why this apple is so popular yet almost completely absent from the main grocery stores.To learn even more this apple and how to find it when it is in season, check out my blog post - Zestar! Apple: Taste, Uses, and How It Compares to HoneycrispI am rolling out a new perk for premium subscribers: 🍎✅❌ The Buy & Skip Apple Guide for Today. It is a simple, regularly updated guide that shows you which apples are worth buying right now and which ones you can safely skip as the season changes. You can check it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

When I started my blog, Eat Like No One Else, in 2009, one of the first things I was writing about was different varieties of apples. At the time, I didn’t know much about the different types and how to use them but I really want to learn. In the early years there were apples that I was recommending to people but over time that has changed.Take a listen to this episode to why I have changed and what apples I am saying you should get today.I am rolling out a new perk for premium subscribers: 🍎✅❌ The Buy & Skip Apple Guide for Today. It is a simple, regularly updated guide that shows you which apples are worth buying right now and which ones you can safely skip as the season changes. You can check it out with a 7-day free trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

What would you think if you saw a display of apples and one of them was called Westfield’s Seek No Further? Would it stand out to you or is it something that you would pass over? When I first saw this heirloom apple I had to stop and get one. With that kind of bold claim, hold could I pass it up - after buying this apple I would need not seek any further! Did I arrive at the ultimate apple? In this week’s podcast episode I will share about my experience with this apple and why you probably have never heard of it despite its bold claim!I'm rolling out a new perk for premium subscribers: 🍎✅❌ The Buy & Skip Apple Guide for Today. It's a simple, regularly updated guide that shows you which apples are worth buying right now and which ones you can safely skip as the season changes. You can try it free with a 7-day trial. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Since I started writing about apples over 15 years ago, there have been so many new apple varieties that have come on the market. Out of all of those, Lady Alice is right at the top of my list. It is the one apple at the grocery store that I wish more people knew about. Take a listen to today’s episode to learn more about it and why I love it so much.You can also head over to the blog and read more about - What Does a Lady Alice Apple Taste Like? Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Thank everyone that listened to me countdown of the apples I wanted to eat the most in 2025. That episode was my most downloaded and listened to episode of the year. So I am back at it again sharing with you the kinds of apples that I am looking to munch on in 2026.Head on over to my Substack page to get more info on the apples I shared as well as to suggest some apples for me to try. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, the first of the New Year, I am looking back at the year in apples in 2025. I started the year with a list of apples that I wanted to eat the most. How did I do on my list? Take a listen to this special recap episode and get a preview of what might be in store for 2026. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

The phrase goes “give me liberty or give me death?”. Well, I am totally ok if I don’t have a Liberty apple, but they are very nice apple and one of the favorite apples of my 7-year-old this apple season.In today’s podcast episode I want to share with you all about the Liberty apple including why it may have received that name and how I saw why firsthand myself! Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Winter Banana. Sounds like a strange name for an apple variety that is neither a banana or ripens in the winter. I have had this apple several times in several different states. I am ready to share my final verdict of this apple in this week’s podcast episode. So take a listen and here about where they came from and what my thoughts are. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

If there is an orchard variety that I see more than any other that isn’t as common in the grocery store it has got to be the Jonagold apple. I have had this apple many times from many different parts of the country. In this week’s episode I am going to share what I think of the current state of this apple and why I find that it’s often a hit or miss variety. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Today I have a special treat for you, learn what goes on behind the scenes for the development of a new apple variety. I did an interview a couple years ago with Karen from the Midwest Apple Improvement Association (MAIA). I published that interview on my Eat Shop Waste Not podcast.The current biggest claim to fame for MAIA is the Evercrisp apple. They have lots of new varieties that any crisp apple lover is going to go wild for. I already talked about the Ludacrisp apple on the podcast.They also have these varieties that I have tried.* Rosalee* Sweet Zinger* Sweet Maia* SummersetI will soon be trying their varieties - Scruffy, Red Zeppelin, and Amarilla Soul and will report about them. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I am starting a new series on the podcast where I will be sharing what’s going on today with apple orchards that are growing varieties from yesterday! I will post these every so often throughout the apple season. Make sure you are subscribed so not to miss one.The first up is Old World Apples in Ridgefield, WA. This place was on my must have list for a year until I recently got to go. I spoke with the owner, Luana who joyfully shared with me about the orchard, how it started, and how it’s going today. Take a listen to learn more. Here are some links to the varieties I mention during the episode:Kandil SinapGrimes GoldenRibston Pippin Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

If a crispy apple with a fruity flavor sounds up your alley, you are going to want to try out the Ludacrisp apple. I had this apple for the first time in Utah in 2023, even thought it was developed by the Midwest Apple Improvement Association. In this episode I share about why apples aren’t all best when you eat them fresh of the tree, with is especially important as we head into the last month of the apple harvest. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

It’s been a long time since my daughter got to try her favorite apple - the Kandil Sinap. This is an old heirloom variety now it’s unique tall, skinny shape. I have never seen another apple. Listen to today's episode to learn about where this apple is from and why it took us so long to find it again. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Gala apple fans are going to want to play close attention to today's episode on the history and current outlook of the Sansa apples. This sweet apple was created from crossing a Gala with another variety called Akane. Take a listen to the episode today and then check out my blog post - Love Gala Apples? You'll Flip for Sansa Apples! Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Honeycrisp has been crossed with many different varieties to try and create the next great apple. In today’s episode I am talking about the latest one that I got to try - the Pink Luster apple. This time it’s a Honeycrisp mixed with a Gala apple. The result was an apple with a delightful sweet and tart balance that is firm in a different way than Honeycrisp and has a pink hue to it. Learn all about how this apple came and why I am excited about its prospects. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

You may not think much of crabapples and if that’s the case I want to change your mind today. The newest podcast episode is all about the Dolgo crabapples. Learn about where it comes from and what are some great ways to use this apple.In the episode I also talk about my favorite type of crabapple - the Chestnut Crab apple. It’s actually one of my favorite apples period, so make sure to click that link to learn more about it. There is also crabapples with names like Wickson, Whitney, and Firecracker.I picked up Dolgo crabapples at the Oregon City Farmers Market this past Saturday. They look so much like the cherry plums they were also selling that one of the workers mistake them for them at first. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

If you are a fan of the McIntosh apple and apples like it, then you should add Dandee Red to the list apples you need to check out. In the episode I share the origin of this apple variety and the difference I had getting them this year in August as opposed to finding them in September last year.Tart apple fans don’t want to miss out on this one. It’s one I need to add to my new mini e-book - Tart! How to Find Your Apple in a Sweet Apple Loving World. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

The podcast is back from a mid-summer hiatus today to share one of my favorite apples to eat during the month of August - the Gravenstein apple. This apple that is widely available on the west coast is a great all-purpose apple that is wonderful for out of hand eating, making apple cider or juice, baking with, and homemade applesauce. Listen to this episode to learn more about the history this variety.If you need some help finding them in your area, check out my list of orchards it may be available at in my blog post - Where to Find Gravenstein Apples. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to July. We have made it half way through 2025. So far my most popular podcast episode of the podcast, has been my What Apples Do I Want to Eat in 2025 episode. Today, I am sharing a replay of that episode and giving you an update on how I am doing with my list at the very end.Today’s episode will be the only episode I post for the month of July. I am taking a break from episodes until August, when it will be time to start gearing up for the new apple season.Before I roll out those new episodes I want to hear from you. I have a short survey I would love for you to fill out sharing about what you like about the podcast and what you want to see in the future. It will only take a couple minutes of your time. Here is the link to the survey. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

The first of the season of whatever fruit is always exciting, we aren’t too far away now from the first apple of the season being ready. On today’s podcast episode I am talking about the earliest yellow apple variety that I know of called the Pristine apple.I hope that you have enjoyed this look into yellow apples this month. If you missed any of the episodes here are links so you can go back and check them out:I also have a list of the yellow apple varieties I have tried on my blog. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

This episode, I am sharing about the University of Minnesota developed Honeygold apple. I have come across this sweet yellow apple on a few occasions and I am sharing my experiences with the variety.Curious what other apples were developed by the University of Minnesota? Here is a list* Honeycrisp* SweeTango* Zestar* First Kiss / Raven* Snow Sweet. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

I often say you need to give apples more than one chance. At first I didn’t think much of the Golden Supreme apple. The first ones I had were pretty bland and uninteresting. But since then I have tried them again and the apple has won taste tests against other yellow apples.In this podcast episode, I am sharing everything that I know about this apple that includes a history that people have differing opinions about. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Today on the podcast, I am talking about the Blondee apple. This apple is actually a type of Gala apple that came from a mutation on a Gala tree! In this episode I will talk about how a yellow apple came from a red apple and where I have found the best tasting Blondee apples in the country.I have done a full write up on this apple variety on my blog in the past, that you can read right here - Blondee apples Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Today on the podcast, I am talking about the Lemonade. I share about how this apple came to be, where it’s from, and answer the question - does this apple actually taste like lemonade in any shape or form?I have done a full write up on this apple variety on my blog in the past, that you can read right here - Lemonade Apples Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

The Elstar apple originated in the Netherlands and is the topic of today’s Memorial Day podcast episode! I hear this apple is best when stored for a bit, for peak flavor. I have had them several times before but the name has been different. When I was in Utah, the apple was refereed to as Valstar. I looked it up and sure enough it’s another name for Elstar. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Did you know that there’s an apple variety called Hawaii that has nothing to do with the state of Hawaii? This apple actually originates from California, specifically from the city of Sebastopol—known for the Gravenstein Apple Festival. Interestingly, the Gravenstein apple is one of the parents of the Hawaii apple.In this episode, I’m sharing everything I know about the Hawaii apple and explaining why I’m holding off on giving my final verdict until I’ve tried one grown in California.Hawaii is one of 26 varieties of yellow apples that I have tried over the years. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

In the east, I have seen it called Akane. In the west, I have seen it called Tokyo Rose. And sometimes vice verse! This is an early season apple that helps roll out the carpet for the apple season. Learn all about this apple variety and why I love the early season apples even if they don’t last super long. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Some apples when they are sitting in the shade of a tree can almost look black. The Kingston Black is one such apple that has black in it’s name but is really just a dark red. Learn about the origins of this apple and what the apple is good for. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Over the last decade plus of me writing about apple varieties, I have seen many new apple varieties show up in the grocery store. I have also seen many apple varieties been to disappear. Not every new variety is going to be a hit. Some work out and some don’t. Today I thought I would talk about the new apple varieties that I have found are become harder and harder to find.On this list you will find apples varieties such as* Kiku* Pinata* Kanzi* Jazz* Junami* Pacific Rose* PazazzHave you had any of these apples on my list. If so I would love to hear from you. Also would love to hear if any apples of this list you haven’t been seeing much of either anymore. So take a moment to share on my show notes page. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Sometimes big flavor can come in small packages and that is the case with the flavorful, heirloom Orleans Reinette apple. This ones isn’t super easy to find but it’s one that you will not want to pass by if you see it. In this episode, I share with you some reasons I think this apple isn’t more widely available.If you want to learn more about this apple variety, check out my full write up with it on my blog. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Did you know there's actually a national park where you can pick your own apples? I was so excited when I found that out! The park is the underrated Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. With more famous parks like Arches, Zion, and Bryce Canyon in the state, Capitol Reef is often overlooked—but it's at the top of my bucket list to visit during apple season one fall. In today’s podcast episode, I share about the different varieties of apples you may be able to pick there. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Most of the apple varieties we find in the grocery store today are under 100 years old, probably most under 50 years old and most way less than that. But I have found an apple variety that is almost 390 years old - the Roxbury Russet (learn more about this apple on my blog). Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Cameo apples were once one of the top grown varieties of apples out of the state of Washington. But over the years they have become less and less popular. Let me share with you my thoughts on that in this podcast episode included why they may not be as popular anymore. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Ambrosia apples have been one of the more popular apples over the last decade but in recent years the apple has starting to fall off. This episode talks about where the apple came from and why it may not be as popular as it once was, even a few years ago. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’m using this holiday as an excuse to learn more about the history of apples in Ireland, and I’m sharing my findings in today’s podcast episode. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

There are plenty of green apples besides Granny Smith that we don’t find in the grocery store, and the Shamrock apple is one. This variety is from British Columbia (not Ireland) and is a good option to grow in climates that are too cold to grow the late harvested Granny Smith apple. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

I just got back from a trip across the country, visiting people & grocery stores in Michigan, Iowa, and Utah. What I saw absolutely everywhere I went was the Cosmic Crisp apple. This apple is truly everywhere these days.Are people buying Cosmic Crisp apples because they love them, because they are a good price, or both? I want to hear from you. Please visit my Substack page and share your thoughts on the Cosmic Crisp. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Boy do heirloom apples have some fun names! Today I am talking about the Ashmead’s Kernel apple, a highly flavored apple that can be sharp and tart. This apple is seeing a mini comeback as a beloved apple cider variety. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Empire is one of many apple varieties that was developed by  New York State Agricultural Experiment Station of Cornell University. It’s parents are very well known apple varieties - Red Delicious and McIntosh. Learn a bit more about it's history and how it’s going with the apple now in today’s episode. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Come along and learn about the different varieties of yellow apples that have been grown in the United States dating back to even before we became a nation. In this episode I give a brief overview of the history of yellow apples and what the future holds with several new ones coming on the scene in recent years.* Please let me know what you thought of today’s episode by leaving a comment. Hit the button below to share your thoughts and to ask questions. I love to hear from you!* Learn about the new Aura apple that I just had for the first time this month. It’s the newest Honeycrisp cross. * Did you miss my most recent podcast episode. Here is the episode from last week - Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Before Walmart launched out of Bentonville, Arkansas, the Arkansas Black apple was their claim to fame! This dark red, almost black apple is a great storage apple that lasts for months and months and months. In today’s episode I share about it’s history and how I was excited to find them when I visited Arkansas in the fall of 2020.Check out our show notes page on Substack for more and to share your comments on this apple variety. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe

Smokehouse may sound like a strange name for an apple, but in the 1800s they had a different mindset of naming their apples that didn’t involve coming up with the best name for marketing like a Honeycrisp, Autumn Crisp or Cosmic Crisp (so many apples with crisp in them nowadays!) Listen to this episode to learn about this apple. I talk about regional specific apple varieties as well and why it’s fun as an an apple fan to travel to different parts of the country during apple season. Get full access to What Apple to Eat Today at whatappletoeattoday.substack.com/subscribe