It’s easy to find at any grocery store.

However, choosing the right apple to bake with is sometimes the hurdle that keeps me from baking.

When apples are in season locally, I opt for whatever is grown nearby.

An apple pie before baking, on a marble countertop

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

When its the apple off-season, I just go with whatever looks firm and tasty.

I must admit, though, the results of my baking adventures are quite variable.

Sometimes, the apples turn to mush, and sometimes they have a less-than-ideal crunch.

Close up of two Granny Smith apples on a bamboo cutting board

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

Sometimes, theyre perfectly sweet, and sometimes a harsh tartness dominates.

Seeking answers, I turned to the true apple aficionadosprofessional bakers and the apple growers themselves.

They all agreed on one widely available yet exceptional choice.

Surprisingly, the unanimously agreed upon variety is not one that I often reach for.

Above all, theyre wildly available and offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Nowadays, Granny Smiths are a global favorite, perfect for baking and snacking alike.

The farmers at Boa Vista Orchard in Placerville, California, say, we always recommend Granny Smith.

ODonnell says, I love Granny Smith!.

Landis likes to mix things up, and she reaches for a blend of different varieties.

She likes that this strategy gives you a balance between flavor and texture and tartness.

However, she always makes sure theres a Granny Smith thrown in for good measure.

The more tart the better to balance out all the sugar and butter!