The trusty apple is a hard-worker. It offers itself as the perfect snack or hero ingredient to a sweet tart or slice, lending itself as a versatile fruit for both sweet and savoury meals. Now that we’re officially in apple season, it’s time to get familiar with the different varieties available in Australia so we know what to reach for.

When are apples in season in Australia?

The ideal season for apples is typically in Autumn between March and May. Early varieties like the popular Royal Gala and Golden Delicious can be available from late February/March with other household favourites like Pink Lady and Granny Smith peaking in April and May.

The best apple varieties in Australia

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Pink Lady apples

Perhaps the most popular household apple amongst Australians, this apple is known for its vibrant pink and yellow flush colour and sweet-tart flavour. Its firm and crisp texture makes it a perfect crunchy snack while also ideal for baking, as it holds its shape.

Royal Gala apples

Another Australian favourite is the Royal Gala, with its distinctive red and yellow striped exterior. Expect a very juicy yet firm bite with a sweet, aromatic flavour. It’s best to store Royal Gala’s in your crisper to maintain freshness.

Southern Bliss apples

If you’re looking for organic produce, Southern Bliss is your apple. Available exclusively at Woolworths, this juicy, crisp and organic variety from Tasmania offers a bright, tropical flavour and firm, bruise-resistant flesh – perfect for lunch boxes.

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Granny Smith apples

The iconic bright green apple is not only distinctive for its colour but also for its sharp and tangy flavour. The thick skin of this variety and its firm texture make it a top choice for baking as it retains its texture when heated and browns slowly.

Kanzi apples

The Kanzi can be identified by its glossy deep red skin with hints of yellow flush. This variety is a premium apple that has a rich yet balanced flavour of sweetness and tang. Their firm and juicy texture makes them a popular choice for raw salads and snacks, as they’re one of the few varieties that don’t brown after being cut.

Golden Delicious apples

As the name implies, these apples can be recognised by their warm, yellow-golden hue and fine black specks on the skin. These low-acidity apples are the preferred variety when making apple sauce and desserts due to their natural rich sweetness reducing the need for added sugar.

Jazz apples

Relatively new to the Australian market, Jazz apples are a great option for those who like buying in bulk as they have a long shelf life and hold their crunch longer than other varieties. Their small to medium size makes for perfect lunch box snacks while offering a tangy-sweet flavour profile.

Envy apples

The Envy apple is a popular snacking apple with a distinct honey-sweet flavour and a subtle, crisp aroma. The high-density, bright white flesh resists browning and retains its ivory colour making it a perfect plating apple for cheeseboards and crunchy salads.

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Woolworths Kids Mini Apples

Ideal for small hands and zero-waste lunch box ideas, these mini apples are a must-have for all households with little mouths to feed. Served in a bag of five exclusively at Woolies, these healthy red apples make an easy school snack and an affordable addition to the weekly shop.

MiApple

Developed in 2017 in the Adelaide Hills, this new strain of red apple is a cross between the Royal Gala and Fuji that offers a clean, crisp flavour. The MiApple has a vibrant red exterior with a very crunchy, juicy flesh and a subtle sweetness – perfect for daily snacking.

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