Apple Tasting Chart: A Guide to 50 Varieties and Beyond

Every fall, apple lovers face the same dilemma: which of the dozens of varieties to buy? A well‑structured tasting chart can help you navigate the orchard’s bounty and pick the sweetest, crispiest apples that fit your taste and culinary needs.

Why You Need an Apple Tasting Chart

Apples differ in flavor profile, texture, acidity, and aroma. A tasting chart allows you to:

How We Built the Chart

In a recent tasting session, we sampled 50 different kinds of apples sourced from local orchards and specialty growers. Greg and Janelle Wilson, renowned for cultivating dozens of heirloom and modern varieties, provided many of the samples. The tasting took place during Episode #123: Two Bald Guys Eat Stuff and Talk About It, where we evaluated each apple’s sweetness, crispness, and overall flavor.

Each apple was scored on a standardized scale: sweetness (1–10), acidity (1–10), crispness (1–10), and aroma intensity (1–10). The results were compiled into a visual chart that can be printed or referenced digitally.

Sample Tasting Methodology

  1. Visual Inspection – Color, skin texture, and any visible blemishes.
  2. Texture Test – Bite to assess firmness and crunch.
  3. Flavor Profile – Identify dominant notes: tart, sweet, floral, or spicy.
  4. Aftertaste – Evaluate lingering flavors and mouthfeel.
  5. Score Assignment – Use the 1–10 scale for each attribute.

Highlights from the 50‑Variety Chart

Below are some of the standout apples from our tasting, grouped by common use cases. The chart includes the overall score and a brief description for each variety.

Best for Snacking