When I moved to Seattle a few Septembers ago, one of the first invitations I got was to go apple picking—a real novelty for someone migrating from the arid SoCal desert. Ready to live out my Gilmore Girls autumn fantasies, I donned my boots and corduroys and made my way to Swans Trail Farms in Snohomish. There, I devoured the most heavenly cinnamon-sugared apple cider donuts known to humankind (I went home with a piping-hot dozen, naturally). And that first juicy, crunchy bite of a Cosmic Crisp apple permanently altered my brain chemistry. Needless to say, I was hooked.
That golden afternoon in the orchard opened my eyes to the incredible world of Washington apples and inspired me to create my own harvest-season tradition: simmering local apple cider on the stovetop with a medley of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise (an annual guest favorite that makes the whole house smell 100 times better than any autumn candle).
To me, apples aren’t just pie filler—they’re the opening act of fall, ushering in all the comfy, cozy goodness that makes the “-ber” months magical. Let’s get to the core of why Washington apples are the brightest seasonal star.
The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the (Evergreen) Tree
If Washington wasn’t already coined The Evergreen State, I’d wager good money it would be known as The Apple State instead. We have more orchards, acres (175,000 to be exact), and apple trees than any of the other 49, making us the nation’s leading apple producer. This booming industry is all thanks to devoted farmers who cultivate beloved varieties and innovative researchers who selectively breed new ones. Apples are woven so deeply into the fabric of the region that the fruit was actually named an official state symbol by the Washington State Legislature in 1989. How do you like them apples!
Crisp Criteria
At Metropolitan Market, we offer a wide array of locally grown apples, and the reason runs deeper than regional pride. Washington apples must meet some of the strictest quality standards in the U.S. produce industry. In our stores, we strive to carry apples graded “Washington Extra Fancy” (yes, that is the real official title). This prestigious classification is the highest ranking available and reflects an apple’s superior color, weight, pressure, sweetness, size, and overall condition.
Bye-Bye Bad Apples
To keep your apples in tip-top shape, try to stash them away from melons, potatoes, and tomatoes. The natural gases they emit can cause apples to ripen too quickly. Apples also absorb odors, so it’s best to keep them a healthy distance from strong-smelling foods like onions. Store your apples in the refrigerator to preserve optimal crunch and flavor. Bonus tip: If you can’t stand the look of browned apples, you can slow down oxidation by sprinkling your slices with a solution of 1 part citrus juice and 3 parts water—I’ll be using this hack for my holiday salads!
Comparing Apples to Apples
Here are 8 delicious varieties that we carry in-store, starting with the sweetest and ending with our more tart picks. Who knows? You may just find the new apple of your eye!
From top left to bottom right: Sugarbee, Fuji, Ambrosia, and Cosmic Crisp.
Sugarbee
Famous for its high sugar content; the closest you can get to dessert in a fruit
Best uses: Snacking, paired with sharp cheeses, dessert topping
Fuji
Exceptionally sweet with apple juice-like intensity; floral undertones
Best uses: Snacking, juicing, salads
Ambrosia
Delicate, creamy, honey-like flavor; slow to brown
Best uses: Salads, smoothies, school lunches
Cosmic Crisp
Out-of-this-world flavor with a strong crunch; browns slowly and lasts for months
Best uses: Salads, long-term storage, charcuterie
From top left to bottom right: Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, and Lemonade.
Honeycrisp
Our most popular variety; the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and juicy
Best uses: Snacking, baking, juicing
Golden Delicious
Mild, subdued sweetness; buttery with subtle spice
Best uses: Sauces, apple butter, freezing
Pink Lady
Sweet-tart flavor with dense texture; beautiful pink blush
Best uses: Caramel apples, cider, baking
Lemonade
Prominent tartness with a hint of citrus; very crisp
Best uses: Juicing, cider, cooking
Apple-y Ever After
We hope your autumn is full of cherished moments and apple-filled fun. If you’re looking for recipe ideas, our Apple Cider Braised Pork Roast and Baked Apple Cider Donuts are fantastic. Shop our full selection of apples from the comfort of your home and bring the flavors of the orchard right to your kitchen.