Fruit | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Fat

Tart Apple

Malus domestica Allergen-Free
tart apple

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Rosaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Late Summer|Fall (peak)
  • Source Apple Tree

The Forktionary Angle

"The essential balance: tart apples cut through richness and add vibrant acidity, structure, and depth to both sweet and savory recipes."

Definition

A category of apples characterized by their pronounced acidity and firm texture, often preferred for baking and cooking.

Sensory Profile

TasteTart, Sour, Crisp, Slightly Sweet
TextureFirm, Crisp, Juicy, Crunchy
AromaFresh Apple, Green, Fruity
AcidityHigh

Technical Metrics

Malic Acid Content

High

Popular Tart Varieties

Granny Smith, McIntosh, Braeburn

Storage Life (Refrigerated)

4-6 weeks

Nutrition Facts

Per 182g (1 medium apple)
Calories52 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.3 g
Total Carbohydrate13.8 g
Dietary Fiber2.4 g
Total Sugars10.4 g
Calcium6 mg
Iron0.1 mg
Potassium107 mg

Chef’s Secret

To prevent sliced tart apples from browning, toss them immediately with a small amount of lemon juice or a citrus-based fruit preserve.

Substitutions

Best Match

Granny Smith Apple

1:1

The quintessential tart apple, known for its firm texture and sharp flavor, excellent for baking.

Braeburn Apple

1:1

Offers a good balance of tartness and sweetness with a firm texture, versatile for both eating and cooking.

Underripe Pear

1:1

Provides a similar firm, crunchy texture and less sweetness than ripe pears, suitable for some savory applications.

Rhubarb (cooked)

1:1 (by weight)

When cooked, provides significant tartness and a stringy texture, but a different flavor profile, often paired with sugar.

Buying Guide

Look for firm apples without bruises or soft spots. The skin should be smooth.

Flavor Pairings

Pork cheese (cheddar goat) cinnamon caramel walnuts oats maple syrup.

Recipes Using Tart Apple

Healthy Healthy 2 European Low Cholesterol

Apfelrotkoh Braised Red Cabbage

Warm up your kitchen with this classic German Apfelrotkohl recipe! This incredibly flavorful braised red cabbage, studded with crispy bacon and sweet apples, is the perfect comforting side dish for pork chops, roasted poultry, or hearty sausages. Easy to make and bursting with autumnal tastes, this recipe will become a family favorite.

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Savory Low Carb Apples Low Sodium

Apple Onion Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops get a sweet and savory upgrade with tart Granny Smith apples and caramelized onions in this 30-minute recipe! This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Inspired by a favorite brand name recipe, but made even better!

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Low In Something Low Sodium No Cook Time To Make

Apple And Cabbage Salad

A refreshing and crunchy Apple and Cabbage Salad, perfect as a side dish for grilled hamburgers or a light lunch! This easy 10-minute recipe combines crisp apples, shredded cabbage, and crunchy walnuts in a creamy Miracle Whip dressing. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Time To Make Cuisine Apples Main Ingredient

Apple And Cheddar Cheese Muffins

Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Apple and Cheddar Cheese Muffins! A perfectly balanced sweet and savory treat, this recipe (submitted in response to a request from Robin Hood Flour) combines the sweetness of apples with the sharp tang of cheddar cheese for a muffin that's both comforting and exciting. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite.

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Apples Poultry 60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish

Apple And Chicken Hash

This Apple and Chicken Hash recipe from Cooking Light is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic! Enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal with just 226 calories per serving. Juicy chicken and sweet apples combine with tender potatoes for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is packed with protein (18.1g), fiber (2.9g), and is surprisingly low in fat (5.6g). Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, yet restaurant-quality dish.

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Nuts Nuts Brunch Occasion

Apple And Pecan Breakfast Casserole

Start your day with this irresistible Apple & Pecan Breakfast Casserole! A warm, comforting dish perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or a special weekday treat. This healthy and delicious casserole features tender apples, crunchy pecans, and a touch of cinnamon, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress!

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Apples Dietary Fruit Course

Apple Bake

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of our Apple Bake! This easy recipe features tender baked apples infused with cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Easily doubled for a crowd, customize the sweetness and spice to your liking. Get ready to experience the ultimate fall treat!

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North American North American Eggs Dairy Easy

Apple Cheddar Walnut Toasts

Crispy toasted bread topped with melted cheddar, sweet apple slices, and crunchy walnuts – these elegant appetizers are incredibly easy to make and taste amazing! They're the perfect complement to butternut squash soup or a light salad, and are sure to impress your guests. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes!

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Course Preparation Course Quick Breads

Apple Cranberry Bread

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with our Apple Cranberry Bread! This festive recipe elevates the classic with a richer, eggy batter, resulting in a moist and delicious loaf perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. The burst of tart cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples, creating a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.

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Apples Fruit Main Ingredient Occasion

Apple Crunch Muffins

These irresistible Apple Crunch Muffins are bursting with juicy apple chunks and a heavenly crunchy topping! Adapted from a beloved muffin recipe booklet, this recipe uses chopped almonds (but feel free to use walnuts or your favorite nut!) for an extra layer of delightful texture and flavor. The perfect blend of sweet and spice, these muffins are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Get ready to experience a muffin masterpiece!

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American Fruit Holiday Event Equipment

Apple Pies For The Freezer

Enjoy homemade apple pie anytime with this freezer-friendly recipe! We combine the perfect blend of tart Granny Smith and sweet Cortland apples for a flavor explosion. A simple brine keeps the apples from browning, ensuring a delicious pie every time. Prepare these ahead, then bake from frozen in just 60 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!

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Healthy Course Preparation Healthy

Apple Pineapple Crisp No Sugar No Flour

Transform leftover apples into a healthy and delicious sugar-free, flourless, and dairy-free crisp! This recipe is perfect for those seeking a light, naturally sweet dessert or a wholesome breakfast treat. No butter or refined sugar needed – just the goodness of apples and pineapple baked to golden perfection. A surprisingly satisfying alternative to traditional crisps, this recipe is ideal for health-conscious individuals and families. Warm it up and enjoy a delightful taste of fall without the guilt!

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North American Occasion Low Protein Preparation

Apple Rhubarb Crumble

A delightful combination of sweet apples and tangy rhubarb, baked to perfection under a golden, buttery crumble topping. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy dessert or a special occasion. Made with fresh, seasonal ingredients for maximum flavor!

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Gifts Fruit Main Ingredient Course

Apple Syrup

Spice up your breakfast! This homemade apple syrup is a delightful twist on traditional maple syrup, perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Made with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, it's a comforting and flavorful treat that's surprisingly easy to make. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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One Dish Meal 4 Hours Or Less Main Dish Main Ingredient

Apple Turkey Loaf

This healthy and flavorful Apple Turkey Loaf recipe from Sunset's Low Cholesterol Cookbook is a game-changer! Juicy ground turkey breast, tart green apples, and aromatic spices combine to create a lean and moist meatloaf that's perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy it hot or cold – it's equally delicious! A perfect weeknight dinner or make-ahead dish.

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Preparation Apples Preparation Course

Apple Walnut Bars

Indulge in these irresistible Apple Walnut Bars! A moist and delicious dessert bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon and apples, perfectly complemented by crunchy walnuts. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall treat. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!

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Potluck Apples Main Ingredient Desserts

Apple Gingersnap Crisp

Warm up your autumn with this incredibly quick and easy Apple Gingersnap Crisp! Bursting with the flavors of fall, this delicious dessert combines tender apple slices, spicy ginger, and crunchy gingersnaps for a taste sensation that's ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful treat for guests.

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Pork Low Carb Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Pork Chops And Spiced Rice

This recipe, passed down from my aunt, is a family favorite for a reason! Juicy baked pork chops, topped with a sweet and tangy sauce, are perfectly complemented by flavorful spiced rice. A comforting and delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love.

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