Red Delicious

Also known simply as Delicious, this apple was born in Iowa in the late 1800s (see history). It is the most popular apple in America, large and handsome, and a must for decorative fruit baskets and displays. The apple’s flesh is crisp but the flavor somewhat bland, lacking the acidity and bite that make some of the others more refreshing. It has a very distinctive shape, with well-defined ridges at the base, and although it is the wrong color for a traditional cooking apple, I recommend it (or the Golden Delicious) as the best choice for Tarte Tatin because it holds its shape well after baking. Red Delicious apples tend to develop an unappetizing mushy texture and flavor when they are overripe. Season: Available all year.