The apple is one of the absolute classics in our garden - also thanks to its enormous variety. We present the 50 most popular apple varieties.
The apple (Malus) is probably one of the most popular types of fruit in Germany, after all every German eats about 25 kg of it a year. This is certainly also due to the fact that the apple has a long tradition here, although it originally came to Europe from Asia. The cultivated apple (Malus domestica) has been cultivated specifically for around 2,000 years and is therefore one of the oldest specifically cultivated and further developed fruit species in the world. It originally came from a cross between the Asian wild apple (Malus sieversii), the crab apple (Malus sylvestris) and/or the Caucasian apple ( Malus orientalis) - but there are now well over 15,000 different apple varieties.
The fact that the apple does not go out of fashion is certainly also due to its versatility. The variety of varieties includes both new and well-established varieties, as well as those that are resistant to certain apple tree diseases, German and exotic apple varieties. The individual variants differ both in appearance - from red to green and yellow varieties, everything is included - as well as in taste. Whether sweet, sour or particularly fruity - depending on their properties, the apples are suitable, for example, for making juice, mush, vinegar or fruit brandy. And there are also clear differences in terms of ripening time and storage life. With this variety, there is probably the right apple variety for every gardener. To give you a better overview and to help you with your choice, we present the best and most popular apple varieties below.
Apple varieties: The best summer apples
Apples belong in autumn? Not necessarily. Because there are also a large number of varieties that are already ripe in the warm months and are perfect for direct consumption. Here we present ten popular summer apple varieties.
Charlamowsky (also: Early Joe, August apple): Medium-sized table and commercial apple with a light yellow skin and red stripes; white, juicypulp with a tart taste; Harvest from August to September, very strong yields; undemanding on soil and climate.
Delbarestivale (also: Delcorf, Delba, Delbar): One of the best-known early apples, comes from the French tree nursery "Delbard" in Malicorne; round, medium-sized to large, greenish-yellow fruit; reddish striped when ripe from August to September; sweet taste with a sour undertone; can be stored for up to two months; Pollinator varieties: Alcmene, Discovery. Here you can buy the Delbarestivale variety.
Discovery: Robust early apple; small, firm, yellow-orange fruits; harvest from mid-August to September; aromatic, sour taste; not suitable for locations with late frost; Pollinator varieties: James Grieve, Cox Orange, Jonathan.
Helios: medium-sized, round fruits with yellow skin; Ripening from early August to September; finely aromatic, sweetish flesh with little acidity; high yield; scab resistant.
James Grieve (also: Rubin): Good table and economic apple; medium-sized fruit with a smooth, yellow skin; reddish striped for harvest from late August to September; juicy pulp with a sweet and sour taste and pleasant spiciness; ideal for making puree; good pollen donor; Pollinator varieties: Ingrid Marie, Jonathan, Cox Orange, Golden Delicious.
Piros: Aromatic early apple; medium-sized fruit that turns red when ripe at the end of July to August; firm, crunchy, yellowish-white flesh with a sweet and sour, fine aroma; good storage properties; Pollinator varieties: Golden Delicious, Pinova.
Retina: Hardy, hardy strain; large, oblong dessert apple with yellow-green skin and dark reddish tint when ripe; Harvest time from September to October; juicy pulp with a sweet and sour taste; resistant to scab, mildew and fire blight; good pollen donor.
Sumerred: Good dessert apple; suitable for nutrient-rich soils in wine-growing climates; medium-sized fruit with a dark red skin and striking white dots; very high, early yield from late August to early October; juicy, noble aroma; high juice content; also suitable for keeping in buckets.
Clear white apple: Particularly suitable for hillside locations and areas with a harsh climate; robust early apple with light yellow skin; Harvest as early as mid-July to August; mildly sour taste; frost hardy and wind resistant; good pollen donor. Here is the white oneBuy clear apple.
Cinnamon apple: Small, roundish fruit with a yellowish skin and reddening on the sun side; the juicy yellowish flesh tastes sweet and sour and has a cinnamon-like taste; ripe from September to October.
Apple varieties: The best autumn apples
Just in time for Thanksgiving, most of the apples are ripe. In keeping with this, we are presenting ten popular autumn apple varieties that are simply indispensable in the colorful season.
Alkmene: Small fruit with a thin, green to golden yellow skin; ripe from early September to early October; slightly sour firm flesh; resistant to scab and powdery mildew; also suitable for high altitudes.
Braeburn: accidental find, probably a cross between 'Cox Orange' and 'Lady Hamilton'; variety with the highest vitamin C content; medium-sized crunchy fruits with golden-yellow skin; ready for harvest from mid-October; firm aromatic pulp; can be stored until April; regular income; fresh and processed a delight; preferred wine-growing areas. You can buy Braeburn apples here.
Carola (also: Kalko): Comes from the fruit research institute Müncheberg in Brandenburg; breeding from 'Cox Orange'; medium-sized, flat fruits with yellow skin and sun-facing blush; ripe from mid-September to October; fine sweet and sour taste; Pollinator varieties: Alkmene, Cox Orange, James Grieve.
Danziger Kantapfel (also: strawberry/raspberry apple): Old, undemanding variety; medium-sized apple with a clearly visible seam; predominantly red when ripe at the end of September; rose apple-like aroma with mild acidity; very easy to store; regular income; suitable for high altitudes.
Elstar: Created in the Netherlands in 1950 from 'Golden Delicious' and 'Ingrid Marie'; one of the most popular apple varieties; medium-sized fruits with yellowish skin and reddening on the sun side; juicy pulp with a slightly sour taste; good pollen donor; Pollinator varieties: Gloster, Jonathan. Here you can buy the Elstar apple variety.
Gala: On the market since 1960; important variety for commercial and horticultural use; bright red peel; Ripening from mid-September to mid-October, can be eaten immediately; very sweet firm flesh; good pollen donor; Pollinator varieties: Cox Orange, Gloster, Jonathan. Here you can buy Gala Apples.
Gravensteiner: Very old apple variety, known since the 18th century; large, yellow fruits with a red "flame"; Ripe early September to October; very juicy, aromatic fruits with a pleasant scent; good forMush and compote suitable; is usually tolerated by allergy sufferers. Here you can buy Gravenstein apple trees.
Holsteiner Cox: Originated in Schleswig-Holstein around 1900; large, greenish-yellow fruits; ripening from mid-September to October; white, hearty, aromatic flesh with a fine acidity; high-quality dessert apple with high yields; Pollinator varieties: James Grieve, Golden Delicious. If you are looking, you can buy Holsteiner Cox variety here.
Ingrid Marie: breed from 1910; medium-sized, flattened dessert apple with a strong red color when ripe in September; reddish pulp with a slightly sour note; long durability; well suited for further processing into cakes etc. Here you can buy Ingrid Marie trees.
Prinz Albrecht von Prussia: Easy-care old variety that was created around 1865; large fruits with intensive reddening when ripe end of September to October; whitish fine flesh with a sweet and sour aroma; high and regular yield; easy to care for and robust.
Apple varieties: The best winter apples
Even though most apples are probably harvested in autumn, some varieties can withstand even the colder temperatures and thus ensure fresh fruit on the table in winter. The following ten winter apples will definitely sweeten the cold season for you.
Blood Apple (also: Crimson Cousinot): Traditional Christmas apple and tree ornament; already mentioned in northern Germany around 1600; small to medium-sized fruits, turning blood-red when ripe; Ready for picking in October, ripe for consumption from December to June; juicy and sour with a light spiciness; suitable for allergy sufferers; suitable for rough altitudes.
Cox Orange: One of the best dessert apples; medium-sized fruit with yellow skin and reddening on the sun side; Harvest from early September to mid-October; crispy-juicy sweet pulp; long shelf life; well suited for recycling; good pollen donor; Pollinator Varieties: Jonathan, Ontario, Clear Apple.
Golden Delicious: Discovered in the USA around 1890, on the market here since 1914; large, uniform apple with yellow skin; Harvest from late September to late October; juicy-sweet flesh with a fennel-like flavor; slightly susceptible to peat; good pollen donor; Pollinator varieties: Jonathan, Goldparmane, James Grieve, Klarapfel. Here you can buy the apple variety Golden Delicious.
Goldparmäne: Rich in traditionstorage type; medium-sized, flat, spherical fruits with a greenish-yellow skin; ready to pick from September, only ready to eat after storage from October to January; sweet and sour taste with a nutty note; also suitable for processing. Here you can buy gold parmes.
Granny Smith: Discovered in Australia around 1868; medium-sized fruit with green skin; ready to pick end of October to November, ready to eat from January to April; slightly sour taste; good shelf life; good pollen donor. If you want to buy the Granny Smith variety, you'll find it here.
Idared: Created around 1930 in Idaho (USA); medium-sized fruit that reddens when ripe; ready for harvest in mid-October, ready for consumption from January to April; firm, pure white flesh with a finely acidic, delicate aroma; good dessert apple; good pollen donor.
Jonagold: Created around 1953 in Geneva (USA), on the market since 1968; very large yellowish fruits; ready for harvest from September to October, only ready for consumption from November; mild acidity and good aroma; long durability; bad pollen donor; Pollinator varieties: Cox Orange, Jonathan, James Grieve. Here you can buy Jonagold apple trees.
Kaiser Wilhelm: One of the most popular old apple varieties; discovered around 1864; large, rounded apple with a yellow skin that becomes intensely red when ripe; ready to harvest from mid-October, ready to eat from early December to April; yellowish-white, juicy flesh, good flavor and acidity; good juice and cake apple; suitable for allergy sufferers; very robust and resistant to scab and mildew.
Pinova: Created in 1965 in Dresden-Pillnitz in the Institute for Fruit Research; round, slightly flat shape; medium-sized fruit with bright red skin; ready to harvest from the beginning of October, ready to eat from mid-September to April; sweet and sour taste; high and regular yield; good shelf life; robust against the specks; Pollinator varieties: Elstar, Golden Delicious, Pilot. Here you can buy Pinova apple trees.
Red Boskoop: Arose in 1923 in the Rhineland from a bud mutation of 'Boskoop'; good table and economic apple; very large fruits with a yellow skin that turns red when fully ripe; ready to pick from mid-October, ready to eat from November; juicy, wine-sour aroma; good for canning and baking; Pollinator varieties: Golden Delicious, Clear Apple, James Grieve. Here you can buy the Red Boskoop.
Apple Varieties: Resistant Varieties
Even if apple trees are among the less demanding plants overall, they are protected against apple tree diseases andNot immune to pests. For example, to avoid the dreaded apple scab (Venturia inaequalis), resistant and hardy apple tree varieties are available. So you don't have to worry about an infestation with the following ten varieties.
Mars: Robust and he althy variety; large green-yellow fruits with dark red overcolour; Harvest from early to late October; juicy pulp with a sweet and sour aroma; Pollinator varieties: Golden Delicious, Clear Apple, James Grieve; resistant to scab and mildew.
Pia: Easy-care autumn apple with a high vitamin C content; large yellow-green fruits with red flames or stripes; ripe from late August to early September; cream-colored flesh with an aromatic, sweet and sour taste; good storability; Pollinator varieties: Golden Delicious, Idared, Pinova, James Grieve; resistant to scab.
Pilot: Created in 1962 in Dresden-Pillnitz in the Institute for Fruit Research; medium-sized vermilion fruit; ripe from the end of September, leave to ripen for at least two weeks; pressure-resistant flesh, sweet and sour taste; good pollen donor; Pollinator varieties: Pinova, Melrose, Idared, Gloster, Elstar, Reglindis, Reanda; resistant to scab and mildew.
Reanda: Yellow-green fruit, reddened on the sunny side; Harvest from September; firm, crisp pulp; high and regular harvest; suitable for colder locations; Pollinator varieties: Reglindis, Remo, Relinda, Rewena, Piros, Pilot, Pinova; resistant to scab, mildew, blossom frost and fire blight.
Rebella: Robust autumn apple from the Institute for Fruit Breeding in Dresden-Pillnitz; large fruits with red-yellow skin; ripening from September to October; soft sweet and sour pulp; high yields; resistant to scab, mildew, fire blight and spider mites.
Reglindis: Remarkably he althy variety; medium-sized fruit with a green-yellow base color and red tint; ripe from early September to October; fine, juicy flesh with a sweet and sour taste; good pollen donor; Pollinator varieties: Retina, Remo, Renewa; resistant to common scab, mildew, fire blight and red spider spider.
Renewa: Created in Dresden-Pillnitz in the Institute for Fruit Research; medium-sized fruit with a greenish skin that turns red when ripe; can be harvested from the beginning of October and eaten from November to March; juicy, sweet and sour aroma; high yield; easy to store; good donor of Poland; resistant to scab, mildew and fire blight.
Resi: medium-sized fruits with yellowGround color that turns bright red when ripe from September to November; intense fruity-sweet aroma; high and early yields; Pollinator varieties: Retina, Relinda, Rewena; resistant to fungus, scab, fire blight and red spider.
Retina: Large, oblong dessert apple with smooth yellow skin and dark reddish tint; ripe from September to October; sweet and sour pulp; early medium yields; good pollen donor; robust against scab, powdery mildew and red spider.
Rondo: columnar apple for small gardens, terraces and balconies; large spherical fruits with a smooth surface and green-yellow skin; ripe from September; firm, sweet and sour flesh; early high yields; frost hardy; resistant to scab and mildew.
If your apple tree is too late and has already been attacked by a disease or pest, you can read about what to do in our article on the most common apple tree diseases.
Apple varieties: Old and tried and tested varieties
Even if the apple doesn't originally come from Germany, it has a long tradition here and it's hard to imagine our menu without it. With thousands of varieties, which are constantly being expanded, the classics sometimes get a little lost. We are reminding you of ten old varieties that have proven themselves in our garden.
Altländer pancake apple: discovered near Hamburg in 1840; medium-sized flat round fruits with green-yellow color; ready to harvest from the end of October to November, ready to eat from February to June; greenish-white, sweet-tart flesh; full flavor only after storage, but suitable for further processing immediately after harvest.
Ananasrenette: Created around 1820 in Holland; small smooth fruits with golden skin; harvest from mid-October to early November; juicy, aromatic pulp; Top table apple, well suited for making must and apple wine; good pollen donor. Here you can buy pineapple reinettes.
Baumanns Renette: Old variety, bred in Alsace around 1800; yellowish fruits, which vary greatly in shape and colour; Harvest from October; sweet and sour taste; good durability.
Dülmener Rosenapfel: medium-sized green to red-yellow fruits; harvest from September to October; white-yellow, sweet-sour flesh; suitable for fresh consumption or processing; good pollen donor; resistant to diseaseand pests; Pollinator varieties: Cox Orange; Golden Delicious, clear apple. If you want to buy the Dülmener Rosenapfel apple tree, you'll find it here.
Privy Councilor Dr. Oldenburg: Cultivated in Hesse in 1897 by the "Higher School for Fruit Growing" institute; one of the most popular fall apple varieties; medium-sized table fruits with yellow-green colour, washed out red on the sunny side; ready to harvest from mid-September, ready to eat until January; juicy pulp with a unique taste; Pollinator varieties: James Grieve, Gold Parmane, White Clear Apple.
Flamed Cardinal: Very old, formerly widespread apple variety; medium-sized fruits with different shape and straw yellow color; harvest from mid-September to October; almost white flesh with a refreshing taste; good shelf life; good resistance to diseases and pests; Variety gets very old.
Jakob Fischer: Early flowering autumn apple; Created in Upper Swabia in 1903 and named after the discoverer; Orchard of the year 1998; large, flat, spherical fruits with a yellowish-red colour; ripe from the end of September; finely acidic and sweet-fruity pulp, which quickly becomes mealy; should be eaten immediately, does not store well; also suitable for harsh climates; very robust variety.
Jonathan (also: Roter Jonathan): Created in 1820 in the USA, on sale in Europe since 1880; green-yellow fruits with a dark red sunny side; ready to harvest from the end of September to October, ready to eat from November to April; white-green flesh with a sour taste; good shelf life; popular Christmas apple; Pollinator varieties: Cox Orange, Goldparmane, James Grieve.
Ontario: Created around 1820, common with us since 1882; very large, flattened, yellow fruits; Harvest from mid-October; delicate refreshing pulp with a sour taste; very early and rich yield; good pollen donor.
Red Star Reinette: This variety originally comes from the Lower Rhine area and has been around for at least 200 years; yellowish-green fruits with crimson overcolour; Harvest from October, ripe for consumption at the end of November to February; refreshing sweet and sour taste; beautiful Christmas apple; hardy and hardy variety; Pollinator Varieties: Cox Orange, Ontario, Clear Apple.
We have compiled an overview of the 30 best old and tried and tested apple varieties in a special article for you.
German apple varieties: A selection
The apple has been part of German food culture for a long time. Even if the "original apple" is not outcame to Germany, many varieties have long since become native to us. Some even originated or were bred here, including both well-established and newer strains that have only recently emerged. We list the most popular German apple varieties from our top 50 again:
- Carola
- Holsteiner Cox
- Pinova
- Pilot
- Rebella
- Renewa
- Jakob Fischer
- Privy Councilor Dr. Oldenburg
- Altländer pancake apple
- Baumann's Renette
- Red Star Reinette
The sweetest apple varieties
It is well known that tastes differ. And depending on your preference, everyone prefers a different type of apple. For those who like it he althy but don't want to do without a certain sweetness, the following particularly sweet apple varieties are well suited:
- Helios
- Gala
- Cox Orange
- Golden Delicious
- Resi
Sour apple varieties
With the large variety of aromas and taste nuances of the different varieties, there is of course not only something for the sweet tooth among us, but also for all those who like to bite the bullet. These tart apple varieties won't disappoint:
- Discovery
- White claret
- Alcmene
- Holsteiner Cox
- Red Boskoop
- Granny Smith
- Idared
- Ontario
Apple varieties for allergy sufferers
Apples are simply too versatile and delicious to be without them. Seen this way, allergy sufferers sometimes don't have it easy. But do not despair: older varieties in particular are often mild and well tolerated. This fact is probably due to the fact that old varieties that have been cultivated to a lesser extent still contain so-called polyphenols to a greater extent than new varieties. On the one hand, these ensure the browning of interfaces on the apple, on the other hand, they also inactivate the apple allergens. Over time, the polyphenols were bred out by selection in favor of less browning of the fruit. However, this has the consequence that the content of allergens has increased and many consumers react more sensitively to the consumption of apples. The following apple varieties are also suitable for allergy sufferers:
- Gravensteiner
- Kaiser Wilhelm
- Blood Apple
- Gold Parmese
- Dülmener Rosenapfel
- Altländer pancake apple
If you are further interested in the apple tree, take a look at our article "Apple Tree: Expert Tips from A to Z".
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