From baking pies to apple picking, Traverse City boasts incredible orchards and delicious fruit. Everyone has a favorite apple for snacking, and with so many varieties to choose from, knowing the nuances of different types of apples is key! Learn more about Michigan apples and how to choose the perfect type for any dish.
Types of Apples in Michigan
Michigan is an apple-growing powerhouse. We produce the second-most apples in the United States, all grown by 17.6 million apple trees at 850 family-run orchards across the state.
There are the most common apple varieties in Michigan, plus when each type of apple is usually harvested:
- Mid-August: Paula Red and Ginger Gold
- Late August: Gala and Honeycrisp
- Early September: Golden Delicious and McIntosh
- Late September: Red Delicious, Fuji, and Jonagold
- October and November: Ambrosia, EverCrisp, Cripps Pink
Niche apples in Michigan include household names like Granny Smith, Ida Reds, or Northern Spy. These are grown in the state, but they’re easier to produce in states with longer, warmer autumns like Washington. That said, you can still find Granny Smiths locally, especially from southern counties.
Of course, apples have unique characteristics that make them better suited for snacking, baking, or other uses.
The Best Apples for Pies
The best apples to use for pies have a few common traits: high pectin content to hold their shape and a perfect balance between sweet and tart. The best way to achieve that balance is to use two different apple varieties instead of just one!
Most chefs (and grandmothers) recommend using a tart apple variety and a sweet apple from the lists below:
Tart Apples |
Sweet Apples |
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The Best Eating Apples
Some apples make better snacks than others. Ask anyone their favorite apple and they’ll likely respond with one of the following options:
Honeycrisp: No state grows a better Honeycrisp apple than Michigan. Juicy, crunchy, and just a little tart – you can’t beat it.
Gala: Mild, thin-skinned, and with a nice crunch, galas have just enough sweetness to soothe an aching sweet tooth.
SweeTango: Developed by the University of Minnesota, the SweeTango is a premium apple grown by several Michigan orchards. It is crunchy, sweet, and very similar to a Honeycrisp, albeit with one big caveat: it’s an early-season option and is only available for a few weeks in late August and early September.
Why We Love Apple Season in Michigan
There are several beloved apple orchards in Northern Michigan, including Wunsch Farms, Interwater Farms, and many others. Several orchards also operate seasonal cider mills, and Traverse City loves its apple cider and donuts! You can enjoy Michigan apples all season long at Oryana, and we love making local produce convenient to grab on your way home!
Read More: Where to Buy Local Corn in Traverse City
Committed to Local Agriculture
Oryana Community Co-op always prioritizes local producers and makers. We are committed to growing our local agricultural ecosystem by choosing local apples and other in-season produce whenever available, connecting farmers with families in Traverse City and surrounding communities. Learn more about our commitment to local and consider becoming an owner today!
