Apples are a classic fruit choice, especially as we head into fall. They're the unofficial mascot of lunchbox side dishes and they make a delicious afternoon snack when dipped in peanut butter.

Apple varieties number into the thousands with different types preferred for eating, making juice and cider, baking and processing. Growers are constantly experimenting with new varieties.

The right type of apple makes all the difference for your dessert. Taste, texture, acidity, pectin-levels (more on that later), and firmness are all important factors when it comes to choosing the ...

“The eating apples you find in the stores don’t make the best pies. Part of that is driven by consumer tastes – we just don’t bake as much so there isn’t the demand of the good baking apple.

Red Apple Barn. Potentially avoid crowds at this Ellijay orchard by making an appointment to pick apples, with varieties including Crimson Crisp, Granny Smith, Yates and EverCrisp.