5 Apple Varieties That Are Just as Delicious as (and Less Expensive than) Honeycrisps
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but if you're snacking on a Honeycrisp, this could become quite the pricey habit. Many fall fruit lovers adore the sweet, crisp flavors embodied in a Honeycrisp apple, but the extra dollars they cost in comparison to their neighboring varieties is loathsome. Rather than abandon your favorite apple variety because of the hefty price tag or elbow punches thrown at the produce stand, opt for these less-expensive varieties that deliver the same great qualities we love so about the Honeycrisp.
When it comes to snacking on apples, the variety you choose can make or break the experience. Honeycrisp, a sweet and crunchy type of apple that is a sure favorite for most apple-snacking individuals, is one of the more expensive varieties (it always happens that way, doesn’t it?).
If your love for Honeycrisp is costing you a pretty penny, and you’re looking for an apple variety that you’ll love snacking on just as much, you have plenty of different apples for the picking. Try out these varieties which offer you all the same qualities as your beloved Honeycrisp, without hurting your wallet as much.
1. Ambrosia
This glossy, slightly pink and yellow apple has a crisp texture and honey-sweet flavor throughout. With incredible juiciness, the Ambrosia variety is regarded as an all-purpose apple: great in salads, entrees, desserts, and for regular snacking.
2. SweeTango
A close relative of the Honeycrisp, this variety was created in Minnesota, and as their name implies, their flavor profile balances notes of sweetness and tanginess. An apple this crisp and delicious is best for snacking, as some of its delicate flavor could get lost when baked or cooked.
3. Jazz
This variety, which is a hybrid of Gala and Braeburn, offers some serious crunch and a slightly fizzy, airy texture, without the unwanted grit that any apple snacker knows and resents. Its sharp, aromatic flavor is one that will have you snacking every last bite of flesh that you can manage until you’ve reached the core.
4. Pink Lady
Formally referred to as Cripps Pink, the Pink Lady variety probably comes as no surprise to anyone who’s mildly familiar with their grocery store apples. Bright-colored and ultra crunchy, these apples are great for eating raw as they offer plenty of sweet flavor and a texture that can hold its own under heat.
5. Enterprise
This sharp, pale yellow apple is great for fresh snacking. Similar to a classic McIntosh, this variety packs an even crunchier, crisper bite without a sour, puckery aftertaste. Although it’s rather unheard of in the apple-snacking community, it makes for a hearty, on-the-go treat when you’re craving something fall-inspired.