What Is America’s Favorite Apple Variety? (Infographic)

The nation has spoken: America’s favorite apple is officially the Gala apple. Until 2018, the Red Delicious apple has reigned as most popular of all the apple varieties.

Red Delicious Reigned for Decades

Red Delicious, a variety that originated in Iowa in the 1870s, has been the most popular U.S. apple for 50 years. Because of their tough skin, Red Delicious apples are easy to transport. There are far less bruises and dents in these apples when you pick them out at the grocery store. Though the toughness may not be as appetizing to our American palates as newer, sweeter varieties, Red Delicious remains the biggest variety exported to other countries, accounting for about half of U.S. apple exports.

SEE MORE: 10 Fun Facts About Apples

Galas Galore: America’s New Favorite Apple

The Gala apple has taken the nation by storm with its vibrant color and great taste. This variety originally hails from New Zealand and was brought to the U.S. in the 1970s. Its thin skin takes your bite right into its juicy, semi-sweet center, making it the perfect snacking apple – and, as of 2018, America’s favorite apple variety.

SEE MORE: An Apple Recipe a Day: 30 Things to Make With Apples This Fall

Core Apple Varieties Include Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp

Fuji, Granny Smith and Honeycrisp round out the top five most popular apple varieties sold in the U.S. This marks the first year for Honeycrisp to crack the top five, as the sweet, crispy variety beat out Golden Delicious. Despite their waning popularity among U.S. apple buyers, Golden Delicious still ekes into the top five for apples produced in the U.S., a list still topped by Red Delicious. But with consumer demand for sweet varieties such as Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp, only time will tell how long that lasts.

Check out our infographics below on America’s favorite apple varieties.

Source: U.S. Apple Association