Autumn apples: Which apples do I use for what?

NORTHPORT, N.Y. (WABC) -- Brothers Andrew and Louis Amsler have been running Richters Orchard since 1979, after taking it over from their father who bought it in 1946. They kept the name of the farm's founder, Frederick Richter, who began farming in 1900.

It is one of the few remaining family farms on Long Island, and specializes in growing apples, pears and peaches. Between October and May, the farm makes its own cider on premises.

To visit: Richters Orchard, Pulaski Road, Northport, N.Y.
More about apples and apple farms in New York: http://www.nyapplecountry.com

The state of New York has nearly 700 growers and 10,000,000+ apple trees. New York grows more apple varieties than any other state.

Which apples are best for what? Here's a guide (source: The New York Apple Association):

Honeycrisp

Complex, sweet-tart flavor, juicy

Best for: Eating and salads, sauces, baking and pies

September through February

Braeburn

Sweet, tangy, aromatic, juicy

Best for: Snacking, sooking, sauces and salads

Oct.-April

Cameo

Tart, sweet flavor, crispy

Best for: Fresh eating, salads, pies, sauces, baking

Late Oct.-April

Cortland

Sweet, juicy, tender

Best for: Eating, salads, sauces, pies and baking; good for freezing

Sept.-April

Empire

Sweet and tart, a combinastion of red delicious and McIntosh

Best for: eating, salads, sauces, baking, pies and freezing

Sept.-Aug.

Fuji

Sweet, juicy

Best for: Eating and salads

Oct.-June

Gala

Mild sweet flavor, juicy

Best for: Eating and salads

Sept.-June

Golden delicious

Mild, sweet, juicy

Best for: eating, salads, sauces

Sept.-June

McIntosh

Sweet and tart, very juicy

Best for: Eating and sauces

Sept.-June