Apples are so easy to enjoy in myriad ways, and they are good for you, too! (An apple a day…) They work well in both sweet and savory dishes, juiced (with or without fermentation!), or just eaten out of hand.

The Apple of Your Eye

We have all kinds of cool varieties to share, and there is truly an apple for everyone in this collection! Check out the list, all organic and grown locally here in Sonoma County, and see which apple(s) catch your eye! (Note: Due to supply limitations, not every variety may be at every location.)

All of the featured local, organically grown apples are grown by Bella Ridge and Devoto Gardens in Occidental and Sebastopol via F.E.E.D. Cooperative.

Organic Local Mutsu Apples

These apples have a yellow green hue. Underneath the surface, the flesh is ivory to white, subtly crisp but still soft, grainy, and aqueous, encasing a central core filled with tiny, black-brown seeds. Mutsu apples are known for their sweet-honeyed flavor mixed with sharp, tangy, and acidic notes.

Organic Local Honeycrisp Apples

Honeycrisp is a medium-to-large sized apple, with a light green/yellow background largely covered with red-orange flush with strong hint of pink if grown in good sunlight. The skin may be flecked with occasional russet dots. They are great in salads, sauces and pies.

Organic Local Liberty Apples

The yellow-toned flesh of a Liberty Apple is crisp and juicy with a fine-grain texture. The Liberty apple is sweet like a McIntosh, yet more tart and has a flavor profile very much its own including some hints of citrus and melon. Slice these apples thinly and layer them into a tart or pie.

Organic Local Empire Apples

Underneath the surface, the white to ivory flesh is firm, dense, and aqueous with a crisp and crunchy consistency. The flesh also encases a central fibrous core filled with black-brown seeds. Empire apples have an initially sweet flavor followed by a pleasant, tart aftertaste with tangy, vinous nuances.

Organic Local Hudson’s Green Gold Apples

Offering wonderful flavor that is described as nutty and almost pear-like, the pale yellow flesh is delightfully crisp, sugary and juicy.

Organic Local Ashmead’s Kernel Apples

Its juicy flesh is firm with a creamy yellow hue and crisp bite. It exudes an aromatic scent reminiscent of orange blossoms and has a sweet and slightly tart flavor with nuances of pears, spice and nuts. Its flavor is strong and sharp when first picked, but like many heirloom varieties, will mellow out nicely after a month or two in cold storage.

Organic Local Northern Spy Apples

Northern Spy apples are a very late season, large and stout apple with carmine red skin married with streaks of yellow and pale green. Its tender-crisp flesh is creamy yellow and juicy. It imparts a bit of a tartness in its bite, but more of a cider-quality flavor with hints of pear and sweetness.

Organic Local Jonathan Apples

The fine textured flesh of the Jonathon apple is creamy yellow in color with a crisp bite and lots of juice. Its flavor is mildly sweet with a tart tang and subtle hints of spice.

Organic Local Ida Red Apples

They are both sweet and tart, juicy yet crisp, and firm. The best fruits have a sprightly, aromatic, and refreshing flavor, although some may lack strong flavor.

Organic Local Starking Delicious Apples

Starking Delicious Apples are juicy and slightly crisp, with a hint of acidity and melon-like notes.

Maximum Apple Enjoyment

Grab a couple of each type and have an apple tasting with friends. Add a variety of cheeses (and some wines) to take it all up a notch (or two)!

There are of course many classic apple pie, apple cake, and applesauce recipes, but our team rounded up some other interesting recipes to try. For starters, how about Apple and Butternut Squash Soup, a riff on traditional Butternut Squash soup? If you want a heartier soup, give this Brie Cheddar Apple Beer Soup a try. For entrees, we have Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin on the traditional side, and if you’re feeling more adventurous, try this Mac N Cheese with Prosciutto and Apples.

This is the week to celebrate the harvest of local, Sonoma County organic apples at Oliver’s. We are thrilled to work with Bella Ridge and Devoto Gardens in Occidental and Sebastopol via F.E.E.D. Cooperative to honor these historic apple varieties and share them with our customers. They are truly awesome to the core!