Apples are one of the world’s most popular fruits. They represent health and indulgence, work crisply in beverages, pair deliciously with cheeses and meats, and complement pies and sweets. With 7,500 types of apples with varying characteristics, their numerous possibilities mirror their varieties. Now that we are approaching autumn, we want to dive into the most popular fruit of the autumn season: the Apple.
Northwest Naturals Products Available:
There are many types of apples, but Northwest Naturals’ Apple Juice Concentrate (JC) has a much more uniform flavor. Our concentrate is sweet and mildly tart. Apple JC is great for juices and beverages and culinary uses on its own and functions beautifully as a featured flavor in blends. You can also use it as a base for other fruit blends. For example, use it as a cost-reduced Blackberry blend that uses Apple JC as a base with some Blackberry JC and Natural Flavor. Contact us to see which will work best for your application.
Our complete apple product list includes:
- Apple JC (Juice Concentrate)
- Apple Puree
- Apple Essence
- Apple blends
- Apple Concentrate Blend – Pie Type
- Apple Concentrate Blend – Pumpkin Pie Type
- Apple Concentrate Blend – Coffee Type
- Apple Juice Concentrate WONF – Pie Type
- Apple Juice Concentrate WONF – Tart Apple
- Green Apple Juice Concentrate WONF
- Apple Hibiscus JC WONF
- Cloudy Apple JC Blend
- Apple Peach JC Blend
- Apple Pear JC Blend
- Organic Apple JC
- Organic Apple Puree
- Organic Apple blends
- Organic Apple JC WOOF (with other organic flavors) – Chai Type
- Organic Apple JC WOOF – Grapefruit Type
Harvesting
With thousands of varieties, apples can be in season all year round depending on the type, though typically the fruit’s season runs between late July through early November. September and October are the peak harvest months for most varieties.
Despite these recommended months, apples can be sourced all year without issue.
Flavor Profile
7,500 varieties of apples are grown throughout the world, and 100 varieties of apples are grown commercially in the United States. Different apples have different flavor characteristics. The most evident difference is the level of sweetness or tartness. However, generally, apples are crisp and juicy and have a mild to moderate sweetness paired with a subtle tartness.
Pairing Suggestions
Apples’ refreshing crispness and mild flavor are an attractive canvas for applications, both savory and sweet. That is why it is one of the most popular fall flavors. To take advantage of its potential, we have compiled a list of recommended apple pairings that may be useful for your food or beverage industry.
Fruit Pairings:
- Apricot
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Figs
- Grapes,
- Citrus
- Pears
- Plums
- Raspberries.
Vegetable Pairings:
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Fennel
- Jicama
- Parsnips
- Squash
- Rhubarb
- Zucchini
- Chilies
Spices and Herb Pairings:
- Allspice
- Caraway seeds
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Coriander
- Ginger
- Mace
- Nutmeg
- Sumac
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Vanilla
Nuts and Seeds:
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts
- Pecans
- Pine nuts
- Sesame seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
Alcohol and Spirits:
- Brandy
- Whiskey
- Schnapps
- Cider
Other Recommended Pairings:
- Cheese
- Caramel
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Molasses
- Grains (quinoa, oats, farro, etc.)
- Sauerkraut
- Meats
Applications for Apples
The potential for apples is endless. A fruit that tastes delicious baked, cooked, and even eaten raw is an attractive addition to any business in the food and drink industry. Try them in classic apple pies to daring Apple Latkes With Sweet Potato and Tahini Lemon Drizzle.
Create apple, cranberry, and turkey meatballs. Try apple cider pancakes, chutney, or apple goat cheese Waldorf salads.
For drinks, try a classic apple cider or get creative! Long island apple iced teas, caramel apple manhattans, apple pie vodka spritzers, and apple pie moscow mules are only a few of the beverage possibilities that will have your customers wanting more.
Breakfast will never be the same with Apple-Gruyère French Toast or apple cider donuts. Thanksgiving dinner party guests will fight over desserts like spiced apple and blackberry hand pies or toffee apple bread and butter pudding. The possibilities are endless.
For additional application ideas for elderberries and more, visit our website.
Request a Juice Sample Today!
Ready to craft your next bestseller? Request free juice samples and order products by creating a free Northwest Naturals account. It is a quick and easy way to gain a team of specialists ready to support all your flavor needs. Get started on your elderberry crowd-pleaser, and request a free sample today!