Cheat Sheet: Apple Variety Tasting Guide

Fall has arrived, and fresh apples are being plucked from trees by the bushelful. But when they arrive at your market, how do you know which apples to buy? If you're planning on baking an apple pie, for example, you'll need a firm apple with lots of flavor and a little bit of tartness. But if you eat your apples out of hand, you may be looking for something entirely different, depending on your taste.

We've put together a guide that will help you figure all of this out. Twenty-one varieties have been categorized by firmness, taste and texture -- not to mention whether they're better for baking or eating fresh. We even found a new favorite during our tasting ... the SweeTango, which is bursting with juice and perfectly crisp. We'd love to know what you think of it in the comments section below.

Consult this before your next trip to the market, and you're good to go. Enjoy!