If you can find them, one of the best pie apples is the Ida Red. But multiple apple types can be combined, depending on what is available -- this year I've used Ida Reds, Granny Smiths, Honeycrips, Fujis, Galas, Liberty, Pink Lady successfully -- Zestar, available early in the season, were bland, even when blended with Granny Smiths. I get my apples from nearby orchards when possible, but am not a fan of Jonathans or Jonagolds. Taste the apples you use in your pie -- cut back on sugar when they're especially sweet.
If you can find them, one of the best pie apples is the Ida Red. But multiple apple types can be combined, depending on what is available -- this year I've used Ida Reds, Granny Smiths, Honeycrips, Fujis, Galas, Liberty, Pink Lady successfully -- Zestar, available early in the season, were bland, even when blended with Granny Smiths. I get my apples from nearby orchards when possible, but am not a fan of Jonathans or Jonagolds. Taste the apples you use in your pie -- cut back on sugar when they're especially sweet.