Apples and Pears may be categorized by how they taste (sweet, sharp/tart, bitter) and also what they are used for (eating, culinary, fermentation).  Cider apples and perry pears were traditionally grown (in England and France) for their drinking characteristics.  Medieval writers thought perry pears were medicinal – or poisonous – depending on dose.  They tipple just fine.

Americans have always tended to prefer an apple or pear than can do any job, rather than growing special varieties for special purposes. Since people don’t like bitter snacking apples, American cider apples have leant toward tart and aromatic compared to their European ancestors.

This page is will eventually hold a gallery of apple pictures.