As produce experts at 3 Guys From Brooklyn, we can tell you that nothing beats the crisp sweetness of farm-fresh apples – especially those from New York State! The Empire State is one of the country's top apple producers, producing dozens of varieties that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. We can't wait to tell you all about the different types of apples you can find in our area, and give you tips on how to make sure you enjoy their quality and freshness for longer periods of time.
New York State is home to many apple varieties, including sweet and tart apples that can be used for everything from snacking to cooking. Some of the most common types of apples you'll find in our area are:
Honeycrisp: A juicy, crisp type of apple that has a sweet flavor with a hint of tartness. This apple is great for snacking or making apple crisps.
Gala: A sweet, mild apple with a crisp texture and a yellow-orange skin. Galas are great for salads or snacking.
Macoun: A sweet and juicy apple with a crispy texture and a red and green skin. Macouns are a great apple for pies or cider.
Empire: A sweet-tart apple with bright red skin and firm, white flesh. Empires are great for baking or roasting.
To extend the shelf life of your apples, it's important to store them properly. Apples should be stored in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or refrigerator. Avoid storing apples near bananas or other fruits that produce natural ethylene gas, which can cause apples to ripen and spoil faster. Another tip is to store apples in a plastic bag to help maintain their moisture.
Now, let's talk about one of our favorite apple recipes – a homemade apple pie! Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
6 cups of thinly sliced apples
3/4 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons of flour
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
1 tablespoon of butter
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of milk
1 refrigerated pie crust
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Pour the apple mixture into the crust. Cut the butter into small pieces and dot it on top of the apples. Drizzle the lemon juice over the apples. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the apple mixture. Trim the edges and crimp them to seal the crusts together. Cut a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape. Brush the top crust with milk.
Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Being located in Brooklyn, we’re fortunate to be close to some of the best New York State apples available. They're a versatile and healthy fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. From snacking to baking, there's no limit to the ways you can enjoy New York State apples. Remember to store your apples properly to ensure that they stay fresh and delicious. Try our homemade apple pie recipe for a sweet treat that is sure to delight your taste buds. We hope this post inspires you to try a new apple variety or two – your taste buds will thank you!