The McIntosh is one of the most popular apples and noteworthy for its versatility; it is recommended for both eating raw and cooking. Originating in the early 19th century, the McIntosh is also one of the oldest cultivars.

The difference between apples and crabapples is the size of the fruit. If the fruit is 2” or greater, it is considered an apple; if less than 2”, it is considered a crabapple. While apple fruit trees are generally grown commercially and in quantity as a crop, they can also be grown in the home garden. Special attention to pollination, disease/pest vigilance and pruning may be required for the trees to thrive and fruit in the home environment. Although apple fruit trees produce attractive flowers, hybridizing efforts focus on fruit characteristics – such as taste, texture and storage capacity -- and on disease resistance. Since apple cultivars are usually grafted onto a root stock, it is often possible to select a tree for the home garden that is smaller than its commercial counterpart. Apple trees produce best fruiting when they are between 10 and 30 years of age.