Paula Red is one of the first apples to greet the harvest season, making its grand entrance in late summer with a burst of color and flavor. Discovered in Michigan in the 1960s, this cheerful variety was named after grower Lewis Arends’ wife, Pauline — a sweet tribute for an apple that’s as charming as it is tasty. Its bright red skin often comes speckled with sunny yellow and soft green, giving it a warm, blushing appearance.

Inside, Paula Red has tender white flesh that leans slightly tart, with just enough sweetness to keep things balanced. That early-season tang makes it refreshing for snacking, but its softer texture means it also cooks down beautifully. Paula Red is a fleeting seasonal treat—here for just a short time before making way for the fuller-flavored autumn harvest.