How iconic apple varieties shaped our taste and history

Apples have long been a staple in kitchens worldwide, but some varieties have fascinating histories. From accidental discoveries to carefully crafted hybrids, these fruits tell stories of innovation and changing tastes. A few well-known types, like Red Delicious and Honeycrisp, have even shaped the way we think about apples today. One of the most recognisable apples, the Red Delicious, began in Iowa during the late 1800s. Farmer Jesse Hiatt first grew the variety, originally naming it Hawkeye. Over time, it was renamed Stark Delicious and eventually became known as Red Delicious. Its popularity surged but later declined after the 1980s as tastes shifted.

In New York, 1966 saw the creation of the Empire apple. Researchers crossed Red Delicious with McIntosh to produce this new variety. Meanwhile, in Australia, Maria Ann Smith discovered the Granny Smith apple in 1868, adding another crisp, tart option to the mix. The Golden Delicious apple traces its roots to West Virginia in the 1890s. It was first grown on the Mullin family’s farm, offering a sweeter alternative to other varieties. Around the same time, Japan developed the Fuji apple in the 1960s by blending Red Delicious with Ralls Janet. Smaller and sweeter, Fuji apples became a favourite for baking. Researchers at the University of Minnesota also made their mark in the 1960s. They designed the Honeycrisp apple, which later gained a reputation as a 'name-brand' variety. Its balanced sweetness and crisp texture set it apart from older types.

These apples—from the once-dominant Red Delicious to the carefully bred Honeycrisp—show how farming and science have shaped what we eat. Some varieties, like Fuji and Empire, were created for specific tastes, while others, like Granny Smith, were happy accidents. Their stories reflect both tradition and innovation in fruit growing.