Question: Other than Granny Smiths, what are tart varieties of Apples that are good cooking apples
By: Roger Lind
Published: October 6, 2010

I am making a pork dish that calls for Golden Delicious Apples and I want a tarter apple.  I have always used Granny Smiths but would like to try another type of Apple.

Answers:
Chris Paulk

This time of year- almost all the farmer's market & grocers have samples of the different apples. Depending on what's available, try; Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Winesap or Jonathons.
It's really hard to go wrong with Granny Smith. Some apples break down while cooking and the Granny's  tend to hold up well.
Curt

You will like Honeycrisps and Jonagolds more than the Granny Smith.  I think Jonagolds hold up when cooked also.  I tasted an apple yesterday at the Columbia City Farmer's Market in Seattle called a Hawaiian.  WOW was is ever a great tasting apple.  Very different.  Sweet, juicy with a finish of tart.  Fantastic!!  For those of you in the Seattle area...the Columbia City Farmers Market is really nice.  Many, many organic and local farmers with their goods.
Sandra L. Garth

This is the perfect time of year for cooking and baking with apples and here in Michigan we’re blessed with an abundance to choose from. Some tart varieties are:
Braeburn- these don’t turn brown easy, and are tart and juicy. Great for snacking too.
Cortland- tart, dense, juicy and holds it’s shape. Nothing worse than mushy apples.
Jonathan- another tart variety that retains it’s shape.
Ginger Gold - doesn’t turn brown easy and also tart, sweet and juicy. Hope this helps.