There are over 7,000 recognized varieties of apples worldwide — each with its own unique flavor, texture, and appearance. While some are perfect for eating fresh, others are better for baking or cider production. Many rare and regional varieties are grown only in specific orchards, making them precious treasures of local agriculture.
🍎 Most Popular Apple Varieties Around the World
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Red Delicious: Known for its glossy red skin and mildly sweet flavor. Often enjoyed fresh or used in salads and light desserts.
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Gala: Small to medium-sized, crisp, and sweet with a hint of tartness — perfect for snacking or salads.
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Fuji: Firm and juicy with a distinct sweet-tart flavor. Great for fresh eating and long storage.
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Granny Smith: Famous for its bright green skin and tangy, crisp flesh. Ideal for baking and classic apple pies.
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Honeycrisp: Exceptionally crunchy and sweet. A modern favorite for snacks and desserts.
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Braeburn: A balanced mix of sweet and tart with a crisp texture. Versatile for both fresh eating and baking.
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Pink Lady: Known for its sweet-tart flavor and satisfying crunch. Commonly eaten fresh or used in salads.
🌳 The Story Behind Apple Day
Apple Day was established by Sue Clifford and Angela King, founders of the Common Ground charity in the United Kingdom in 1990.
Common Ground — founded in 1983 — is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the cultural and environmental importance of local landscapes and traditional foods. The founders aimed to reconnect people with the land and its fruits, promoting the value of locally grown produce and traditional orchards.
Since its creation, Apple Day has grown into an annual event across the UK and beyond. It celebrates apple diversity, supports local farming, and raises awareness about the need to preserve orchards and heritage apple varieties. Communities come together to share recipes, stories, and appreciation for this beloved fruit — a reminder of the simple joy found in nature’s bounty.
🎉 How to Celebrate Apple Day
Across the world, people celebrate Apple Day in creative and delicious ways:
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🍏 Apple Tasting: Local events offer tastings of different apple varieties to showcase the range of flavors and textures.
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🌾 Orchard Tours: Orchards open their gates for guided tours, teaching visitors about apple cultivation and the importance of preserving traditional orchards.
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🎨 Apple Crafts & Workshops: Families can join in fun activities like cider-making, apple pressing, cooking demos, or creating apple-themed crafts.
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🛍️ Local Food Markets: Farmers’ markets feature apple-based products — from cider and jams to pies and sauces.
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🤝 Community Gatherings: Towns host harvest festivals to share stories, recipes, and local traditions.
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🌱 Orchard Preservation: Some communities plant new apple trees or restore old orchards to protect future biodiversity.
👩🍳 Delicious Apple Recipes to Try at Home
🍰 Classic French Apple Cake
Ingredients:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
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⅔ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 medium baking apples, peeled and diced (about 2½ cups)
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Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Butter a 23 cm (9-inch) cake pan and line with parchment paper.
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
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Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
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Mix in dry ingredients, then gently fold in apples.
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Pour batter into pan, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for ~40 minutes until golden.
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Cool, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
🍯 Cinnamon Baked Apples
A cozy fall dessert — serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream for a vegan twist.
Ingredients:
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½ cup + 2 tbsp rolled oats
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½ cup almond flour
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⅓ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup crushed walnuts
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp sea salt
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¼ cup solid coconut oil
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4 apples, halved and cored
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Melted coconut oil (for brushing)
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Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Mix oats, almond flour, sugar, nuts, cinnamon, and salt. Rub in coconut oil until crumbly.
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Scoop a bit from the center of each apple half. Brush with melted coconut oil.
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Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
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Remove foil, top with crumble mixture, and bake for 20 more minutes until tender and crisp.
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Serve warm with ice cream.
🍪 Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Soft, chewy, and packed with apple flavor — great for snacks or breakfast!
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 4 tbsp warm water
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1½ cups oat flour (from 2 cups rolled oats)
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp sea salt
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½ cup creamy almond butter
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¼ cup melted coconut oil
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¼ cup applesauce
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 cup rolled oats
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¾ cup finely chopped apple
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½ cup chopped walnuts
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¼ cup raisins
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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Mix flaxseed and water; set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
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Combine oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
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In another bowl, mix almond butter, coconut oil, applesauce, vanilla, and sugar. Stir in the flax mixture.
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Add wet ingredients to dry, then fold in oats, apples, nuts, and raisins.
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Scoop dough onto tray and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
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Let cool before serving — soft, wholesome, and irresistible!
🌿 Final Thought
“An apple a day doesn’t just keep the doctor away — it connects us to our roots, our farmers, and the Earth itself.”
Celebrate Apple Day by supporting local growers, enjoying the harvest season, and sharing the joy of one of nature’s simplest and sweetest gifts. 🍎💚
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