Cooking apples, also known as culinary apples, are a specific type of apple that is ideal for cooking and baking purposes. Unlike eating apples, which are typically eaten raw, cooking apples are known for their firm texture and tart flavor. Cooking apples are often used in pies, crumbles, tarts, and other baked desserts, where their tartness balances the sweetness of the dish. They can also be stewed, pureed, or turned into applesauce, which can be used as a topping, filling, or ingredient in various dishes.