Discover the crisp, tart perfection of Granny Smith apples, the bright green variety that has become America's go-to choice for baking and cooking enthusiasts.
Originally developed in Australia in the 1860s by Maria Ann Smith, Granny Smith apples are instantly recognizable by their vibrant green skin and distinctively sharp, tangy flavor. These medium to large apples offer a firm, dense texture that holds up beautifully during cooking, making them the preferred variety for classic apple pies, tarts, and cobblers. Their natural tartness provides the perfect balance to sweet desserts, while their crisp flesh maintains its structure even when exposed to high heat. Beyond baking, these versatile apples shine in savory applications, adding a refreshing crunch to salads, slaws, and cheese boards.
The bold, acidic bite of Granny Smith apples makes them excellent for eating fresh when you crave something invigorating, though they truly excel as a cooking apple. Try pairing them with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in traditional American apple desserts, or incorporate them into European-style tarte tatin and strudels. They also complement rich ingredients beautifully – consider adding sliced Granny Smith apples to pork dishes, stuffing, or caramelized onion tarts. For the best results in baking, leave the nutrient-rich peel on for added texture and color. Store these hardy apples in your refrigerator where they'll maintain their signature crunch for weeks, ensuring you always have the perfect baking apple on hand.