Michigan apple harvest guide: When to get your favorite kind

Apples are usually considered a fall fruit in Michigan, but homegrown apples are already hitting store shelves.

Michigan's apple season actually starts in early August, so there's no reason to wait to make fall pies, or cakes or muffins.

Starting the season with Paula Red and ending with Cripps Pink, here's when you can expect the different kinds of apples grown in Michigan to be harvested and start popping up in stores this year, according to the Michigan Apple Committee.

Sweet or tart. Great to eat straight from the tree or perfect for baking. Michigan's apples can do it all.

More:Apple slices looking gross? Here’s how to keep them from turning brown.

Paula Red: Aug. 9

The pleasantly tart apple arrives in late summer and is only available into late October. The variety was discovered in Sparta.

Ginger Gold: Aug. 11

The sweet-tasting apple has a hint of tartness. This variety stores well

Gala: Aug. 20

Gala's have a soft bite over a mellow sweetness. It's Michigan's third most popular apple for fresh eating or cooking.

Honeycrisp: Aug. 22

Honeycrisp apples combine unusual color and sweet flavor. They have a crisp bite and are often used in salads.

McIntosh: Sept. 1

The classic round apple is ultra-juicy with a white flesh and lightly tart flavor. This variety is also used in salads and is great in apple sauce, cider and pie.

Golden Delicious: Sept. 9

An apple with a gingery-smooth sweet taste and thin skin. It's the most popular yellow apple. They're often eaten fresh or in salads. They're a good choice for apple sauce, cider or baking.

Jonagold: Sept. 16

Very crisp and juicy, Jonagolds have shades of tart and sweet in each apple. They're usally large and aromatic. Jonagolds are highly ranked by apple connoisseurs and grow well in Michigan's climate.

Ambrosia: Sept. 18

This sweet, refreshing apple has floral notes and low acidity.

Fuji: Sept. 19

Fuji apples are newer to Michigan's apple line-up. They're sweet and tart with low acidic content. They stay crisp for weeks.

Red Delicious: Sept. 23

Red Delicious apples are America's most popular and are known for their five little bumps on the bottom. They're best for fresh eating and snacks. They have a full-flavored sweet taste, yellowish flesh and crisp texture.

Ida Red: Sept. 26

Use Ida Red apples for fresh eating or cooking, especially in sauces, pies and desserts, thanks to a texture that holds up well when baked. They have a tangy and tart taste. Their flesh is white, crisp and juicy.

EverCrisp: Oct. 15

The EverCrisp variety is newer to Michigan. They are sweet, juicy and firm. They store wll and are long-lasting with a nice crunch.

Cripps Pink: Oct. 18

Cripps Pink apples have a pinkish skin with crisp, juicy flesh. They're tart with a sweet finish.