Adding apples to your diet is a great way to enjoy fresh, juicy, and healthy snacks. Cortland and Empire apples are two popular varieties—both of them are perfect for eating fresh, baking, or adding to salads. They share many similarities, such as their crisp texture, sweet-tart flavor, and versatility in the kitchen.
Both of these apple types are descendants of the McIntosh apple, which gives them their distinctive characteristics. Despite being members of the same apple family, each one has its unique traits that set it apart from the other.
What is a Cortland Apple?
Cortland apples are known for their sweet yet slightly tart taste and a lovely crisp bite. First introduced in New York in the late 1800s, Cortland apples are a cross between the McIntosh apple and the Ben Davis apple. These apples have a bright red skin with streaks of green, and their white flesh is incredibly juicy.
One of the most appealing qualities of Cortland apples is that they don’t brown quickly when sliced, which makes them perfect for salads and fruit platters. They are also an excellent choice for baking, as they maintain their shape well when cooked.
Cortland apples typically ripen in late September and can be found throughout the fall season. Their mild sweetness, paired with a subtle tartness, makes them a favorite among apple lovers who prefer a balanced flavor.
What is an Empire Apple?
Empire apples are another variety with a deep connection to the McIntosh family, having been developed by crossing McIntosh apples with Red Delicious apples. These apples were introduced in the 1960s, also in New York. Empire apples have a bright red, shiny skin and firm, crisp flesh. Their taste is a delightful blend of sweet and tart, often leaning more toward the sweet side compared to Cortland apples.
Like Cortland, Empire apples are versatile in the kitchen. They are ideal for snacking, baking, and even making applesauce or cider. The flesh of Empire apples is firm, which allows them to hold up well when cooked, but they are also juicy and crisp when eaten fresh. They tend to ripen slightly earlier in the season, usually by mid-September.
Difference Between Cortland and Empire Apples
Although both Cortland and Empire apples are related to the McIntosh variety and share some characteristics, they also have clear differences. The most noticeable difference is in their texture and flavor. Cortland apples have a milder sweetness with a hint of tartness, making them slightly more balanced, while Empire apples are sweeter, with a touch less tartness, appealing to those who prefer a sweeter apple.
In terms of appearance, Cortland apples have a more speckled, less uniform color, while Empire apples boast a smooth, shiny red skin. When it comes to how they behave in the kitchen, Cortland apples are ideal for slicing due to their ability to resist browning, whereas Empire apples have a firmer texture that holds up better when baking or cooking.
Cortland apples are perfect for fresh dishes like salads and fruit platters because of their slow browning, while Empire apples are great for those who prefer a sweeter, firmer bite in their snacks or recipes.
