Cooking Apple Qualities

• The best cooking apples have a high starch content, contributing to a crisp bite and firm, juicy flesh, according to Fox News. The firmer flesh withstands the heat of cooking better, allowing the apples to retain their shape, rather than crumbling to mush. Braeburn apples are more than great pie apples. This crisp green-gold and red apple stands up to heat and is recommended for multiple cooking purposes. The University of Illinois Extension also notes that Braeburn apples freeze well.

Great For Baking

• Braeburn apples have a flavor all their own, a melody of taste made up of sweet, tangy and tart notes, making this variety an attractive pie apple. These juicy apples don't produce an overly wet pie because this apple's firm flesh retains some of its juices while baking. That's part of the reason this apple holds its shape so well and why Braeburn apples are recommended for baked dishes like tarts, crisps and baked apples. This variety's notable flavor makes it a favorite for cakes, muffins and quick breads. Because this apple freezes well, it's a good choice when baking goods to be wrapped and frozen until ready to use.

A Versatile Cooking Apple

• With this variety's firm, juicy flesh and fine flavor, making applesauce is one of the top recommended uses for Braeburn apples. These apples also make good apple butter. Try stirring a chopped, simmered tender Braeburn apple and a pinch or two of cinnamon into breakfast oatmeal or pancake batter. Sweet and tangy-tart, Braeburn apples complement pork perfectly. Slice an apple or two into a skillet, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar and a few currants or raisins. Simmer, covered, in a little water, perhaps a splash of wine, until tender. Uncover and simmer to reduce skillet liquid, if desired, and serve with pork chops, loin or roast. An excellent all-around cooking apple, this long-keeping variety is as versatile as it is practical.

Seasonal Treats

• Braeburn apples are a late apple, reaching maturity as the autumn season settles in. These apples are especially nice for seasonal sweet treats like caramel and candied apples. This juicy apple variety is as tart and tangy as it is sweet, offering just the right flavor contrast for the intense sweetness of the caramel and candy coatings. The crisp, firm flesh holds the stick securely for dipping and eating. Cider is another traditional autumn treat this tasty, aromatic apple is used to make.