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There’s something special about the arrival of October. The air turns crisp, the leaves change color, and apple season hits its stride. It’s one of the best times of the year to source fresh, flavorful apples for your shelves, menus, and customers. Whether you’re stocking produce displays, building fall-inspired dishes, or curating seasonal offerings, now is the time to take advantage of the harvest’s peak.
At V. Marchese, we partner with trusted growers to bring you the best seasonal apples available. Here’s a look at what’s fresh this month and how you can make the most of them.
Why October Is the Best Month for Apples
While apple season begins in late summer, October is when the fruit truly shines. Cooler nights and sunny days create the ideal growing conditions for apples to develop their signature flavor, crispness, and vibrant color. That means the apples you source this time of year will be some of the freshest and tastiest of the entire season.
This is also when variety peaks. From sweet and juicy snackers to tart, firm baking apples, there’s a perfect option for every culinary use:
- Honeycrisp: A crowd favorite with exceptional crunch and balanced sweetness.
- Rave®: Early-season, juicy, and bright with a refreshing snap, perfect for fresh eating.
- McIntosh: Classic and aromatic, ideal for cider, sauces, and baked goods.
- Red Delicious: Mildly sweet and beautifully crisp, great for salads, snacking, and displays.
- Fuji & Gala: Naturally sweet and kid-friendly, great for snacks and retail programs.
If you want to learn more about how seasonal produce like apples impacts flavor and quality, check out our Seasonal Produce Guide.
Spotlight: SweeTango® — The Star of the Season
Among the many apple varieties available in October, SweeTango® stands out as one of the most exciting and in-demand. Developed in Minnesota by the University of Minnesota’s apple breeding program, SweeTango® is a cross between Honeycrisp and Zestar!®. The goal was to combine Honeycrisp’s signature crispness with Zestar!®’s bright, tangy flavor. Released in the late 2000s, SweeTango® quickly became a seasonal favorite for its juicy texture, complex sweetness, and limited availability. While strongly associated with the Midwest, it is now grown in select orchards across the United States, making it a sought-after variety for fall menus and fresh produce programs.
SweeTango® is known for:
- Signature crunch: One of the crispest bites you’ll find in any apple.
- Complex flavor: A perfect balance of sweet and tangy with hints of citrus and spice.
- Beautiful appearance: Bright red skin with golden highlights that draw attention in displays.
- Versatility: Ideal for fresh eating, charcuterie boards, seasonal salads, and baked desserts.
Want to feature SweeTango® or other seasonal produce in your next order? Contact our team for availability and wholesale pricing.
Ideas for Featuring Apples on Your Fall Menu
With peak-season apples in abundance, there are many ways to showcase them this month:
- Fresh snacks: Perfect for grab-and-go programs or paired with cheese and nut butter.
- Fall salads: Add sweetness and crunch with sliced Honeycrisp or SweeTango®.
- Baked goods: From classic pies to rustic galettes, apples are the star of fall desserts.
- Drinks: Pressed into cider or used as a garnish for seasonal cocktails.
Looking for menu inspiration? Explore our Chef Resources for tips on incorporating seasonal produce into your fall lineup.
Bring the Best of Fall to Your Customers
October only comes once a year, and so does the peak of apple season. Partner with V. Marchese to stock your shelves, kitchens, and menus with the freshest, most flavorful apples available. With seasonal standouts like SweeTango® alongside classic favorites, you can deliver the crisp, sweet taste of fall that customers are craving.