15 Indian apple varieties and which one is the best | The Times of India (2024)

Did you know there are more than 15 varieties of apples in India, but how many have you tried? There’s nothing more nutritious and healthy like an apple, this is the reason why they say an apple a day can keep the doctor away. This sweet, juicy and crunchy fruit adapts as per the environment, which impacts its taste, flavour and crispness of the apples. So, if you too want to know about the varieties of apples in India? Here are some popular Indian apple variants which are worth a try! Read on...

Ambri Apples popularly known as Kashmiri apples come from the lush green Kashmir valley. The texture, taste and classic sweet aroma of these apples makes the most widely consumed variant in Northern India. The flesh of these apples have a nice sweet and crisp texture and on the exterior this apple variant has a greenish and red stripes. This is often addressed as the pride of Kashmir.

No we aren’t talking about Mac! These are the real McIntosh apples, which hail from the hilly areas of Uttarakhand, UP and Himachal Pradesh. The slightly sweet and tarty taste and crisp texture of these apples are widely used for making desserts, jellies, jams, pies and cakes. However, the skin of these apples have a slight mix of red and green, whereas the flesh of these apples have an off white colour. In hilly areas this apple is mostly consumed raw.

The name Granny Smith sounds exotic and much-like the name, its eye-grabbing colour, taste, aroma and texture makes it one of the most classic apple variants. Used in making beverages, jams, desserts, cakes and candies, this crunchy, tarty and juicy apple variant is packed with the goodness of nutrients, antioxidants like polyphenols. This apple variant is usually grown in Himachal Pradesh.

This classic sweet yet tarty apple variant is known for its sweetness and crispy texture. This apple has a long shelf life and the freshness and crunch of this apple lasts for a very long time, if stored properly. These apples make for delightful sauces, beverages and are great for eating raw or as a salad.

Chaubattia Anupam apples are hybrid apples developed in India by crossing Early Shanburry and Red Delicious. This hybrid variety is cultivated extensively in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These apples have red vertical stripes on the exterior with a glossy peel. However, the flesh of this apple is whitish in colour and has a sweet and tangy taste.

Much like the name of this variant, these apples have a beautiful greenish-yellow skin. These apples have a delightful sweet flavour and smooth texture and a subtle aroma, which can instantly accentuate the taste of any delicacy. It is used to make sauces, apple butter, jams and is also added to salads to give it a nice flavoursome twist. This variant is also found around the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

This is another popular variant of apples made by crossing the genes of Ambri apples and Golden delicious and the results of this hybrid apple is worth the effort. Sunehari apples have nice yellow peels with crimson streaks. The flesh of this apple is crunchy and juicy with a sweet- acetous taste.

Off late, these apple variants have gained popularity for their delicious taste, crisp texture, sweet flesh and subtle flavour. The size of these apples are a bit large as compared to other apples. Moreover, these apples have a pale red-green skin and are mostly consumed raw.

Tydeman’s Early is a popular apple variant which hails from the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh and J&K. The classic red coloured exterior of these apples with a yellowish green base, makes Tydeman's Early a classic apple variant, which is majorly relished in the form of desserts and fresh salads.

This variant is dark red in colour and has a sweet and subtle taste and flavour. This popular variant of apple hails from the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. This apple is usually relished raw or by adding to salads, chutneys or locally produced jams. What makes this variant different is its oblong-conical shape, which is created by using tricks by cultivators.

This apple variant is consumed all around the country and is usually large in size. Majorly used to make sweets, cakes, salads and juices. This apple variant is known for its sweetness, which is why it is used in making apple juices.

The name might confuse you, but the taste of this apple variant will not disappoint your palate. This apple variant hails from the Jammu Kashmir region and is widely consumed raw or used in local cuisines for its sweet taste and a peachy aroma and flavour, which gives a hint of fresh and fruits notes to your delicacies.

This apple variety comes from Tamilnadu, South India. Usually a late season apple, which has a sweet, mild and crunchy texture. Used in making traditional chutneys and jams.

Winesap Apple has a unique spiced flavour with a sweet taste. This apple variant is used to make Apple Cider vinegar. The classic reddish and violet colour of this apple makes it different from other variants of apple. The extracts of these apples are fermented to create cider, which is used in several ways in day-to-day life.