After the many attributes of McIntosh were discovered, plant breeders began crossing it with other varieties to enhance its traits. One of the earliest was Cortland, combined with the Ben Davis variety and released early this century. Its flavor is sweet compared to McIntosh, and it has a flush of crimson against a pale yellow background sprinkled with short, dark red stripes and gray-green dots.  Cortland has very white flesh and is an excellent dessert apple.

Apples come in various grades: Extra Fancy, Fancy, and No.1. The top two grades of apples are based on exterior appearance and size.  Apples should be stored at 31 to 32 degrees F at 85-90% relative humidity. Keep them in their boxes as they can absorb odors, and they give off ethylene gas that can hasten ripening in other fruits and vegetables.. Apples come packed in 38-42 # cartons, and 40-45# tray packs with  counts of 48, 56, 64, 72, 80 ,88, 100, 120, 140, 160,  200 or 216 for the smallest.  One medium apple  equals one cup diced apples.

Apple information can be found at this link:
http://www.MichiganApples.com/cortland.html

Some great Apple recipes
http://www.epicurious.com/b_ba/b02_twelve/apple/ba_12apples.html