Apple Fruit Varieties

• Apples were used as symbols in stories and mythology in several cultures. Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

  The history of people enjoying apples has been traced as far back as 8,000 B.C., and we still consume large amounts of the colorful fruit today. In 2005, the average American ate about 16.9 pounds of apples. Of the7,500 different types of apples grown in the world, 2,500 of these are grown in the U.S. However; only 100 varieties are cultivated commercially in America.

Red Delicious

• Red Delicious apples have five distinctive bumps or "feet" at the blossom end. red delicious apples on black image by PaulPaladin from Fotolia.com

  This apple originated in Iowa in the 1870s. Red delicious apples are one of the most popular for use in salads and for general snacking. They are generally not recommended for baking. They are usually described as being crisp, juicy and sweet. They can be distinguished by their deep red color, heart-shaped appearance and medium firmness.

Golden Delicious

• Despite having similar names, goldens are not related to red delicious apples. pomme 1 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com

  Golden delicious apples were so named in 1916 but were known as Mullin's yellow seedlings since their discovery in 1890 in Clay County, West Virginia. They have a pale yellowish skin and mildly sweet flavor. This apple is popular for use in salads because its flesh is more resistant to browning than other varieties. A bonus to baking with goldens is that the amount of sugar required can be reduced due to the apple's sweet flavor.

Granny Smith

• Granny Smith apples were cultivated by chance in Australia in 1868. australia image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com

  Granny Smith apples were discovered by and named after a "Granny" named Anne Smith of Ryde, New South Wales. They are known for their bright green skin, firm, crispy flesh and tart flavor. Unlike the red delicious apple, Granny Smiths are good for both snacking and baking.

Gala

• Galas are mild and smaller, making them a great choice for kids. apple bite image by Cherry-Merry from Fotolia.com

  This crispy, sweet and juicy variety originated in New Zealand. The royal gala apple was named after Queen Elizabeth II judged it to be her favorite kind while on a trip there. Galas are now one of the most popular apples in the United States. Galas are heart-shaped and have a red and yellowish striped skin.

McIntosh

• McIntoshes are famous for their aromatic smell and are often used in cider. cider making 2 image by alice rawson from Fotolia.com

  McIntosh apples were discovered by John McIntosh in 1881. They have a deep red color and can have a green blush. They are tender and white on the inside and have a sweet yet tangy flavor. This variety has many uses including eating, baking and making applesauce. A tip suggested by the U.S. Apple Association is to cut the apple into thick slices are add a thickening agent when using McIntoshes in pies due to their tendency to cook down (lose its volume) easily.

Rome Beauty

• Referred to as the "baker's buddy, Rome beauties are great for apple pie. tarte aux abricots, image by Bruno Bernier from Fotolia.com

  This variety was named after the city of its discovery: Rome, Ohio. They are typically known as being excellent for baking due to its sweetness, its long storage life and its ability to retain its shape while being cooked.