What to Do When You Run Out of Granny Smith Apples on the Gerson Therapy

If you're on the Gerson Therapy, you already know just how vital Granny Smith apples are to your daily juicing routine—especially when making carrot-apple and green juices. Their tartness and lower sugar content make them ideal for supporting the healing process. But if you're like many of us, you’ve probably noticed that in the heat of summer, Granny Smith apples can become harder to find. Sometimes you might spot a stray bag at a market, but often, they’re few and far between.

So what should you do when your supply runs dry?

First Things First: Check With Your Gerson Practitioner

Before making any substitutions, we always recommend checking in with your Gerson doctor or certified practitioner. They understand your case best and can provide guidance that aligns with your healing path.

Choosing an Alternative Apple

If Granny Smiths are truly unavailable, the next best thing is to look for apples with a similarly low sugar content. Here are some options, from most recommended to least:

Better Alternatives:

• Braeburn – Mildly sweet with a slight tartness, this is a good backup.

• Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) – A little sweeter than Granny Smith, but still acceptable in small amounts.

Use Caution With These:

• Honeycrisp

• Gala

• Golden Delicious

• Fuji

These varieties are significantly sweeter and should be used sparingly. If one of these is your only option, consider using only a small portion—perhaps a quarter of a Honeycrisp or half of a Braeburn—combined with your carrots or greens.

Eating (and Juicing) With the Seasons

One of the beautiful aspects of the Gerson Therapy is its alignment with nature and seasonal eating. In the winter, we embrace hearty vegetables like Kabocha squash, and in late spring, we celebrate the arrival of vibrant cherries. While this seasonal rhythm enriches our diets, it can create some challenges for juicing, especially when it comes to consistent ingredients.

Flexibility and intention are key. If you need to make a substitution, do your best with what’s available, and always keep the spirit of the therapy in mind.

A Final Note of Encouragement

Running out of the “right” apples can feel like a setback, but it’s not the end of the world. Do your best, lean on your practitioner for support, and remember that healing is a journey. Take it one day at a time, stay aligned with the principles of the therapy, and trust your process.

Stay strong, stay nourished, and keep juicing!