Key Takeaways

  • Ida Red apples, a versatile American variety, known for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor.

  • They were developed in the 1930s as a cross between Wagener and Jonathan apples and are now found across the U.S. in stores, farmers’ markets, and orchards.

  • These apples store exceptionally well, keeping up to six months in a cool, dark place, making them a favorite for year-round use.

  • Perfect for baking: Ida Reds hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for pies, cakes, muffins, and strudels.

  • Great flavor pairings include nuts, cheeses, spices, and herbs—try them with cinnamon and walnuts or blue cheese and honey for a tasty snack.

  • Fun fact: Cooking them with the skins on produces a naturally pink-hued applesauce

Ida Red apples are shining brightly in our spotlight this week. An American variety belonging to the Rosaceae family, Ida Red is a mid to late-season apple that can virtually be stored year-round for culinary use. Tasty when consumed fresh or cooked, Ida Red apples can be used in a variety of preparations, particularly in baked recipes.

All About Ida Red Apples

A medium to large varietal with a textured, sandy feel at the top, Ida Red apples have a thick, smooth, and taut skin. Featuring a crisp, crunchy consistency, Ida Red apples have a sharp, and sweet-tart taste when first harvested. Once stored for a while, they have a refreshingly mild, sweet, and tangy taste.

Native to the United States., Ida Red apples were created in the 1930s as a cross between Wagener and Johnathan apples. Today you’ll find them all across the country in a variety of commercial applications as well as local farms and farmers’ markets.

What Are Ida Red Apples Good For?

According to Specialty Produce, Ida Red apples are perfect for many raw and cooked applications, including:

  • Out of hand
  • Chopped into salads
  • Shredded into slaws
  • Mixing into grain bowls
  • Dipped in caramel, chocolate, and nut butter
  • Sliced into sandwiches
  • Added to parfaits
  • Baked into pies, cakes, muffins, tarts, bread, strudels, and cookies
  • Simmered into sauces drizzled over roasted meats
  • Used in cider blends
  • Paired with cheeses such as blue, Roquefort, cheddar, and parmesan
  • Paired with nuts such as pecans, walnuts, and almonds
  • Paired with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice
  • Paired with herbs such as basil, mint, parsley, and cilantro
  • Baked with sweet fillings inside, such as spices, candied nuts, and brown sugar; or stuffed with ground meats and grains such as quinoa.

Ida Red apples can keep for up to six months when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Enjoy them whole out of hand, or try them in any number of recipes for a tasty treat.