
Apples are one of the most beloved fruits in the UK, with a rich tapestry of varieties that cater to diverse palates and culinary needs. Whether you’re biting into a crisp, tart apple straight from the orchard or whipping up a delightful dessert, there’s a UK apple for every occasion.
Today, we’re diving deep into 9 popular varieties of UK-grown apples, exploring their flavour profiles, characteristics, and the perfect dishes and desserts to elevate your culinary game.

Bramley
Season: September to November
Flavour Profile: Tart and juicy
Characteristics: Bramley apples are a classic cooking apple, known for their large size and greenish skin that ripens to a pale yellow. Their high acidity makes them an ideal choice for baking, as they retain their shape and flavour when cooked.
Best Used In:
- Apple crumble
- Apple pie
- Savoury apple and cheddar tart
- Apple sauce
- Stuffed pork loin with apples
- Rustic apple galette
- Chutney
- Apple muffins
- Cider
- Baked apples with cinnamon
Royal Gala Apples
Season: Late summer to early autumn (August to October)
Flavour Profile: Sweet and slightly floral
Characteristics: With its stunning red-orange striped skin, Royal Gala apples are well-loved for their crisp texture and juicy sweetness. They are perfect for snacking and pair beautifully with cheese.
Best Used In:
- Fresh fruit salads
- Apple and cheese platters
- Smoothies
- Tarts
- Baked cakes and muffins
- Applesauce
- Cider
- Apple slaw
- Fruit-infused iced teas
- Crispy apple chips


Granny Smith Apples
Season: Autumn to winter (September to March)
Flavour Profile: Tart and crisp
Characteristics: These bright green apples are known for their tartness and firm texture. They are versatile and can add a zesty freshness to both sweet and savoury dishes.
Best Used In:
- Classic apple pie
- Apple crumbles
- Green apple salads
- Cider
- Smoothies
- Salsa
- Baked ham with apples
- Savoury apple and cheddar quiche
- Tarts
- Tart apple chutney
Discovery Apples
Season: Early autumn (August to September)
Flavour Profile: Crisp and mildly sweet
Characteristics: Discovery apples are an early-season variety with a delightful balance of sweetness and a bit of tartness. Their striking red skin and tender flesh make them an enjoyable fresh snack.
Best Used In:
- Fruit salads
- Apple pancakes
- Fresh apple slaw
- Apple compote
- Smoothies
- Tarts
- Sweet and sour chicken with apple
- Thai apple salsa
- Baked wrappers with cinnamon sugar
- Apple turnovers


Braeburn Apples
Season: Late autumn to winter (October to March)
Flavour Profile: Sweet, tangy, and aromatic
Characteristics: Known for their firm, crisp texture and well-balanced sweet-tart flavour, Braeburn apples have a beautiful mix of orange and red tones and are perfect for a range of dishes.
Best Used In:
- Apple galette
- Cakes and desserts
- Savoury beef casseroles
- Apple and ginger chutney
- Roasted vegetable salads
- Cider
- Stuffed apples
- Baked apple desserts
- Muffins
- Smoothies
Red Windsor Apples
Season: Autumn (September to November)
Flavour Profile: Sweet and slightly tart
Characteristics: Red Windsor apples are medium-sized with striking red and yellow skin. They have a tender, juicy flesh and a balanced flavour that makes them excellent for eating fresh.
Best Used In:
- Fruit salads
- Baking (apple pies and tarts)
- Pureed for smoothies
- Cheese boards
- Apple and peanut butter snacks
- Baked apples
- Apple muffins
- Apple scones
- Cider
- Rustic apple desserts


Jazz Apples
Season: Autumn (September to March)
Flavour Profile: Crisp and sweet
Characteristics: Jazz apples are a hybrid variety with a vibrant red skin and an exceptionally crisp texture. Their sweetness and juiciness make them a crowd favourite for snacking.
Best Used In:
- Fresh fruit salads
- Smoothies
- Apple muffins and cakes
- Tart or pie fillings
- Sweets and candies
- Savoury dishes (stuffing, salads)
- Cheese platters
- Cidar
- Sweet and spicy chutney
- Apple crisps
UK Russet Apples
Season: Late autumn to winter (October to March)
Flavour Profile: Sweet and nutty
Characteristics: Russet apples have a characteristic brownish skin and a dense, firm flesh. Their rich flavour makes them especially suitable for cooking, baking, and using in cider.
Best Used In:
- Classic apple pie
- Apple crumble
- Cheese and apple platters
- Russet apple chutney
- Cider
- Applesauce
- Quiches
- Baked beverages (like apple bread)
- Apple and almond cake
- Spiced apple tarte


Pink Lady Apples
Season: October to March April
Flavour Profile: Sweet with a mild tartness
Characteristics: Pink Lady apples have a stunning pink blush over a pale yellow greenish background, and a firm and crunchy texture.
Best Used In:
- Crumbles
- Tarts
- Smoothies
- Apple Salads
- Salsa
- Cheese and apple platters
- Applesauce
- Muffins
To find out what varieties we have in stock, get in touch with our team or visit our web shop:
01793 683299 / Web Shop