Introduction
If you’re looking for a bold, crisp apple that holds its shape when cooked and brings a burst of tart-sweet flavor to both savory and sweet dishes, let us introduce you to the Ida Red Apple Recipes — a true unsung hero in the culinary world. Whether you’re baking a pie, whipping up applesauce, or roasting them with root vegetables, Ida Reds deserve a spot in your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll explore the magic of Ida Red apples, including where they come from, why they’re special, their health perks, and — most importantly — several mouthwatering recipes you can make using them. Whether you’re a beginner home cook or a seasoned pro, this guide will give you everything you need to fall in love with Ida Reds.
What Are Ida Red Apple Recipes?
Ida Red Apple Recipes are a vibrant red apple variety known for their tangy flavor, crisp texture, and excellent cooking properties. They’re medium to large in size with a bright, glossy skin — often showing streaks of pink and red over a pale green background.
Flavor Profile
- Tart yet mildly sweet
- Juicy and firm
- Slightly aromatic
They’re ideal for cooking because they hold their shape well under heat, making them perfect for pies, crisps, roasted dishes, and even salads.
Origin of the Ida Red Apple Recipes
The Ida Red apple has roots in the Pacific Northwest, developed in the early 1940s at the University of Idaho. It was created by crossing two popular apple varieties: Jonathan and Wagener.
According to the University of Idaho’s agricultural records, Ida Red was designed specifically to combine the tartness of Jonathan with the cooking integrity of Wagener — and it did just that beautifully.
Today, Ida Red apples are grown primarily in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of New York. While they may not be as famous as Honeycrisp or Fuji, chefs and bakers love them for their consistent texture and flavor.
Ingredients for Basic Ida Red Apple Dishes
Let’s take a look at some common ingredients you’ll need for three popular Ida Red apple recipes:
1. Baked Ida Red Apple Slices
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Ida Red apples | 4, medium |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
2. Ida Red Apple Crisp
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Ida Red apples (sliced) | 6 cups |
| Rolled oats | 1 cup |
| Flour | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Butter (cold) | ½ cup |
| Cinnamon & nutmeg | 1 tsp each |
3. Ida Red Apple Chutney
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Chopped Ida Red apples | 2 cups |
| Onion (chopped) | ½ cup |
| Vinegar (apple cider) | ⅓ cup |
| Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Ginger, chili flakes | 1 tsp each |
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need a professional kitchen — just a few basics will do:
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Saucepan (for chutney)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven, stove, and optionally a food processor (for applesauce)
Step-by-Step Recipe: Ida Red Apple Crisp
This comforting dessert is a fall favorite — but let’s be real, it tastes amazing year-round.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- 6 Ida Red apples (peeled, sliced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup cold butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Make the crumble topping: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
- Assemble: Layer apples in a greased baking dish and sprinkle the oat topping evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Expert Tip: For extra texture, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping.
Health Benefits of Ida Red Apple Recipes
Ida Red apples are more than just tasty — they’re nutrient-rich and support overall health.
| Nutrient | Per Medium Apple (200g) |
| Calories | 95 |
| Fiber | 4g (16% DV) |
| Vitamin C | 14% DV |
| Potassium | 195 mg |
| Antioxidants | High (especially quercetin) |
Top Benefits
- Boosts gut health thanks to soluble fiber (pectin)
- Supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels due to low glycemic index
- Great for weight management (low calorie, high satiety)
A study published in Appetite Journal (2016) found that eating an apple before a meal significantly reduced total calorie intake — making it a smart choice for healthy snacking.
Additional Recipes Using Ida Red Apple Recipes
1. Roasted Ida Red Apples with Root Vegetables
Toss apple wedges with carrots, parsnips, olive oil, rosemary, and roast at 400°F for 25 minutes — a perfect side for pork or chicken.
2. Ida Red Apple and Cheddar Quesadillas
Sweet meets savory! Slice thin apples and sandwich them with sharp cheddar between tortillas. Grill until crispy.
3. Ida Red Applesauce (No Sugar Added)
Simmer peeled apples with cinnamon and a splash of water for 20 minutes. Mash or blend for a creamy, kid-friendly sauce.
4. Sparkling Apple Mocktail
Muddle apple slices with mint, top with soda water and a splash of lemon juice. Refreshing and non-alcoholic.
Best Ways to Serve Ida Red Apple Recipes
- Raw in salads with arugula, goat cheese, and candied pecans
- Sliced with peanut butter or almond butter
- Baked into muffins, crumbles, pies, or tarts
- Caramelized for pancakes or waffles
- Grated into oatmeal or overnight oats
Pro Tip: Store apples in the refrigerator to retain firmness and freshness for up to a month.
Calories & Nutrition Table
| Dish | Calories (Per Serving) | Main Nutrients |
| Ida Red Apple Crisp | ~300 kcal | Fiber, carbs, healthy fats |
| Baked Apple Slices | ~180 kcal | Fiber, antioxidants, low-fat |
| Ida Red Apple Chutney | ~100 kcal | Vitamins A, C, and minerals |
| Roasted Apples & Veggies | ~220 kcal | Fiber, potassium, Vitamin C |
| Sparkling Apple Mocktail | ~60 kcal | Hydration, antioxidants |
Conclusion
Ida Red Apple Recipes is truly a culinary gem. Whether you’re baking, roasting, simmering, or snacking, these apples bring both flavor and nutrition to your plate. Their firm texture and tart profile make them ideal for recipes that require structure and complexity — and their health benefits are just the cherry on top.
So next time you’re at the market, skip the usual and reach for a bag of Ida Reds. Your kitchen — and your taste buds — will thank you.
FAQs
1. Are Ida Red apples good for baking?
Yes! They hold their shape well and offer the right amount of tartness for pies, crisps, and tarts.
2. Can you eat Ida Red apples raw?
Absolutely. They’re crisp, juicy, and refreshing — great for salads or snacking.
3. Where can I buy Ida Red Apple Recipes?
Look for them at farmer’s markets, Whole Foods, or local grocery stores in the fall and winter months.
4. What’s the difference between Ida Red and Fuji or Gala apples?
Ida Reds are more tart and firmer, making them better for baking. Fuji and Gala are sweeter and softer, better for raw consumption.
5. Can I freeze Ida Red apples?
Yes — slice and blanch them first to maintain texture. Great for future use in pies and sauces.