Crop Guides
Types of Apples Chart
See how Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and heirloom apples differ so you can plan the perfect pick-your-own trip.
Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26
| Variety | Texture | Flavor | Best For | Storage Life | Peak Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeycrisp | Explosively crisp, juicy | Sweet with gentle tart finish | Fresh eating, salads | Up to 6 months cold stored | September (MN, WI, NY) |
| Gala | Tender, fine-grained | Mild floral sweetness | Snacks, juicing | 2–3 months | August (WA, MI) |
| Fuji | Dense, crunchy | High sugar, low acid | Fresh eating, baking with less sugar | Up to 8 months | October (WA, VA) |
| Granny Smith | Snappy, firm | Tart, citrusy | Pies, caramel apples | 6+ months | October (CA, WA) |
| Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) | Crisp with bite | Sweet-tart, tropical | Fresh eating, cheese boards | 6 months | November (CA, AZ) |
| McIntosh | Tender, aromatic | Spicy-sweet with tang | Applesauce, cider blends | 2 months | September (NY, VT) |
| Jonagold | Crisp yet tender | Honey-sweet with tart bite | Pies, roasting | 4 months | September–October (MI, NY) |
| Braeburn | Firm, crunchy | Spiced sweetness | Baking, cider | 5 months | October (WA, OR) |
Match varieties to activities
Early August orchards in Washington and New York push Gala and Honeycrisp to satisfy “apple picking near me” demand. Mid-season Fuji and Jonagold weekends peak in September and October, while Pink Lady and Granny Smith stretch the calendar into November for warmer states like California.
- Pick Honeycrisp during cool mornings; warm afternoons can bruise the explosive cells.
- Reserve Granny Smith or Pink Lady rows if you plan caramel apples—they hold texture after dipping and chilling.
- Blend McIntosh with sweeter Jonagold for balanced cider batches.
Next steps
Use the apple crop hub to filter orchards, then drill into state landings that match your drive radius.