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Table apple facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Table apples are a special group of apple types that people love to eat fresh. You might also hear them called dessert apples. Unlike apples used for cooking or making apple juice, these apples are usually sweet and have unique flavors.

Some table apples are also called "dual purpose" (marked with a D). This means you can enjoy them fresh, but they also work well for cooking!

What Makes a Great Table Apple?

Table apples are picked for their amazing taste and texture. When you bite into one, it should be crisp and juicy. They often have a good balance of sweetness and a little bit of tartness. Some even have special smells, like honey, flowers, or spices!

Why Are There So Many Kinds?

Just like there are many kinds of dogs or cats, there are many kinds of apples. Each type, or cultivar, has its own special qualities. Scientists and farmers work hard to grow new kinds of apples that taste even better or can resist diseases.

How Do We Choose Them?

When a new apple type is developed, it's tested to see if it's good for eating fresh. They look at things like how sweet it is, how crunchy, and if it has a nice smell. If it passes these tests, it might become a popular table apple!

Popular Table Apple Varieties

There are hundreds of different table apple varieties grown around the world. Here are some of the well-known ones you might find in a store or at a farmer's market:

  • Ambrosia: A sweet, low-acid apple with a crisp texture.
  • Cameo: Known for its sweet-tart flavor and firm, crisp flesh.
  • Cortland (D): A sweet apple that stays white longer after being cut.
  • Cox Orange Pippin: Famous for its rich, complex flavor.
  • Fuji: Very sweet and crunchy, a favorite for many.
  • Gala: A mild, sweet apple that's great for snacking.
  • Granny Smith: A classic tart and crisp green apple.
  • Honeycrisp: Loved for its super crisp texture and sweet, juicy flavor.
  • Jonagold: A mix of Jonathan and Golden Delicious, offering a sweet-tart taste.
  • McIntosh: A soft, juicy apple with a distinctive tangy flavor.
  • Mutsu (D): A large, crisp apple with a sweet-tart taste.
  • Red Delicious: Known for its deep red color and mild, sweet flavor.
  • Spartan (D): A small, dark red apple with a sweet, juicy taste.

Dual-Purpose Apples (D)

Some apples are so versatile, they can be eaten fresh and used for cooking! These "dual-purpose" apples often have a good balance of sweetness and tartness that holds up well when heated. Examples include:

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