Apples are a staple in most households, serving as a delicious part of both meals and desserts. Unfortunately, apples are typically sprayed with pesticides while they're growing. According to Dr. Andrew Weil and the Environmental Working Group, 93.6 percent of apples test positive for pesticides. There are organic options, however, that are pesticide-free. Almost all apple varieties now have organic options; check out your local health food store to find out what kinds of apples are available.
Gala Apples
Gala apples were developed in New Zealand in 1934 by J.H. Kidd, according to Dirtdoctor.com. Kidd crossed his own orange-red variety with Golden Delicious apples to produce the Gala. Washington State is famous for its apple production; the soil and environment make it an ideal place for the fruit to grow. Bestapples.com states that Gala apples take up most of Washington's apple acreage, and many of these are grown organically.
Golden Delicious
Another familiar apple that can be found organically grown is the Golden Delicious. These apples are the second most grown apple in the United States, according to Dirtdoctor.com. The Golden Delicious is not related to the Red Delicious. It was discovered in 1914 in West Virginia. It is a fairly crisp apple when harvested; however, it should be refrigerated as it can become dry, soft and shriveled.
Fuji
Fuji apples share the most organically grown title with Gala apples in Washington State, says Bestapples.com. According to dirtdoctor.com, the Fuji has dense, crisp and sweetly tart light yellow flesh. Unlike the Golden Delicious, Fuji apples can retain flavor even when stored at room temperature. Their flavor actually continues to develop during long-term storage.
Granny Smith
With their crisp, tart taste, Granny Smith apples are favorites to cover with caramel and nuts. This apple is also grown organically, and is available year round. It is a tasty addition to salads and cheese plates. Granny Smith is purported to have originated in Australia, developed from French crabapples cultivated by Australian grandmother Maria Ann Smith.
Honeycrisp
The Honeycrisp apple is relatively new breed. Bestapples.com states that Honeycrisps were developed by the University of Minnesota. The apple has bright red and pale green skin, and a crisp yet juicy inner flesh. Its sweet/tart flavor makes it a favorite for salads, snacking and baking. It also stores well and can be found grown organically.
Red Delicious
This large, sweet apple is grown throughout the U.S. and is extremely popular. It was called the Hawkeye when it was discovered in 1872, and was given its current name in 1895 by the Stark brothers, states Dirtdoctor.com. It is best to eat during the fall, when it is crisp and juicy, as it does not keep well.
Braeburn
You can find Braeburn apples in the organic produce section of the supermarket. This apple is extremely flavorful, with hints of spice and a sweet/tart flesh. It can range from yellow to orange to red in color. Washington growers harvest the variety in September and early October, and it can be purchased from October through July, states Bestapples.com.
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