Apple

Humans have cultivated apples for over 3,000 years; today there are more than 2,000 varieties worldwide. As with serving wine, you need to decide how you will be using an apple before choosing the proper variety. Good, all-purpose apples (for cooking and eating out of the hand) include the Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Newton Pippin. The Jonathan and Newton are perfect for apple sauces.

For baking, use the firmer-fleshed Rome Beauty. When buying apples, check that their skins are smooth and free of bruises and gouges. "Scald," a tougher-textured, tan-colored area, will not affect the fruit's flavor much. Store apples in a cool, dark place; they can be refrigerated for a month or more, depending upon the variety.