Red Delicious orginated as a chance seedling in Iowa and was named in 1895. In the last 100 years, many deep red strains have been developed, with stripes and the five bumps on the elongated fruit. Today, Red Delicious apples are the most popular apple variety world wide. Although Red Delicious apples are available at grocery stores year-round, the flavorful ones grown in Missouri are usually harvested around September 10. The sooner these apples are purchased after harvest, the crisper and juicier they will be! Red Delicious are best for fresh desserts and salads. They are not recommended for cooking.