34 ways to use all the apples you picked

There are nearly as many varieties of apple as there are seeds on a strawberry, so we’ve narrowed down the selection to our favorite — and most readily available — types. And we threw in a few newcomers to look for at the farmer’s market, too.

An old saying that's actually true: One bad apple spoils the bunch. Damaged apples produce higher levels of ethylene, a phytohormone that stimulates the fruit around it to ripen faster. This is handy if you want to ripen green bananas, but not so great for apples that are already ripe. When buying, look for ones that are firm and shiny, with no visible bruises or tears, and a mild aroma. Refrigerate immediately, and they'll stay good for at least 4 to 6 weeks.