A guide to Quebec apples.

Contrary to popular belief, apple season in Quebec starts way before fall - with varieties trickling in from August to November. To make sure Quebec producers can all showcase their different varieties, the Producteurs de Pommes du Québec implements a strict release calendar - meaning orchard owners can only sell their apple varieties as of a certain date. These weekly variety drops ensure that each farmer can sell their stock without overwhelming the market…and keep locavores excited about new arrivals throughout the season.

Everyone knows the best apples are fresh off the branch, but some store so well that they’ll stay comparably crisp, allowing you to get your dose of local fruit throughout the winter and spring. Since the countless varieties can be difficult to navigate, we’ve created a handy guide to our local apples, their seasonality, and the best way to enjoy them (aside from biting right into them, of course).

Early season

Vista Bella (early August)

One of the first to arrive and the first to go, this summertime apple can only be kept fresh for a week - whether you want it for eating or cooking, enjoy it without delay!

Jersey Mac (mid-August)

McIntosh lovers, this one’s for you - this sweet and tart summertime variety is very similar, but ripens earlier, so you can munch on them while you await your faves. They soften pretty quickly, so eat them right after they’re picked or use them for applesauce or jam.

Paula Red (end of August)

This variety is the perfect mix between sweet and tart and is the result of a fruitful surprise seedling. Thanks to their firm texture, they're great for apple pie.

Sunrise (end of August)

Also known as Crimson Crisp, this juicy apple is a cross between McIntosh and Golden Delicious. It’s best enjoyed as a snack or juice, and like most early-season apples, you shouldn’t wait to enjoy these guys since they’re at their peak crispness right after harvest.

Ginger Gold (early September)

The best of both worlds - this juicy variety’s notes of honey and spices make for a fantastic snack as is, but also dry well and can be turned into chips (try rolling them in cinnamon sugar).

Lobo (early September)

Native to Ottawa, this variety produces plump, juicy apples that can last up to three months in the fridge. Since they keep their shape once cooked, they’re ideal for baking.

Mid-season

McIntosh (mid-September)

You know it, you love it! The McIntosh is one of the most recognizable and versatile varieties around. This long-lasting apple’s tartness is ideal for just about any use, from juice to apple butter.

Redcort (early October)

Crisp with a juicy white interior, this variety leans into the tart side. Its fresh flavour shines in sweet recipes like crumbles or homemade applesauce to add a seasonal twist to filled doughnuts.

Gala (early October)

An apple fit for a king! Super crisp and sweet, this long-lasting apple can be used for fall desserts of all kinds, but its flavour is most appreciated when you bite right in.

Honeycrisp (early October)

This blushing yellow variety was created to withstand colder climates, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular apples around. It doesn’t hold its shape once cooked, so we suggest tossing fresh apple cubes into your salad and slices in the whole fam’s lunch box.

Spartan (early October)

Low in acidity and high in sweetness, this chubby, crisp red apple is a mix between McIntosh and Yellow Newton Pippin. It’s a must for making cider or juice, but if you bite them, you’ll love them to their core.

Cortland (early October)

With its sweet taste and aroma, this colourful variety is the apple of your pie. Plus, it stores for up to four months, and since its insides don’t oxidize, it’s the ideal addition to your fall salad.

Golden Jubilee (early October)

Part McIntosh, part Grimes Golden, this apple is crisp when picked but doesn’t keep for long. A rare gem, this baking variety is rarely grown outside of Canada and France - we’re lucky to have them ready to bite into on the Marketplace.

Late season

Empire (mid-October)

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, this variety stores so well that it’ll have you covered for months. They’re sweet with a hint of sourness, as crisp as a McIntosh, and their tough skin means they won’t bruise in your lunch box. 

Ambrosia (mid-October)

With a name straight from Mount Olympus, this crisp apple is almost as sweet as honey. In recent years, they’ve become more popular in baking recipes since they keep their shape and, thanks to their natural sweetness, recipes that feature them require less added sugar.

Golden Delicious (mid-October)

Here’s the in-cider information: this super sweet apple was found by chance. When they’re harvested too early, they’re green with a bland taste - but since our Marketplace’s apples ripen on the branch, these Golden Delicious are a real treasure.

Mutsu (mid-October)

Straight from Japan, this green variety has notes of honey and anise. They hold their shape well, so baking with them is always fruitful.

Jonagold (mid-October)

If you’re searching for an all-purpose apple that can be used for anything from baked goods to cider, this cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious has you covered.

Red Delicious (end of October)

This iconic big red apple is a winning variety of the teacher’s pet. They’re one of the last on Quebec’s market, but thankfully they store well, so this juicy variety will last until the end of the winter.

Idared (early November)

Reminiscent of a certain fairy tale, this Idaho-native apple is green and covered in bright red blush. Transform it into a compote with a little sugar and cinnamon to offset its tartness. 

So, how do you like them apples?