You're right, Jackie: I think Granny Smith are recommended because they are such a good tart eating apple, and because back when people started to realize that there were different apples they were readily identifiable as "not Red Delicious." But nowadays, in my area as well, there are many other choices that are better. I like JonaGold: big, easy to peel, and tasty. It is true that some of the other popular apples are not a good choice, like Macintosh, which cooks to mush. I think your recommendation of several varieties is spot on.

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