How can I tell what sort of apples?

[whatatip]

I have a tree that I discovered when I cleared the garden a couple of years ago. It is only small and seems to have been lopped down at some point in the past and is now recovering.
This year we have some lovely big apples (only a couple last year) even though it essentially only has 2 branches,and I am wondering what sort they are.
I don't know how to tell if they are eating or cooking, most importantly.
There are no other apple trees in my garden or in either of the neighbours either side of us, so I don't know how it is being pollinated.
I don't know much about fruit growing though, in fact I know nothing.

[steamedtreaclesponge]

The easiest way is just to try them! If they're unbearably sour, you'll know that they need cooking...

Sorry, not terribly helpful

[whatatip]

But when do I know the right time to taste them is? I may pick them a bit early and then they would be sour wouldn't they?

[SybilBeddows]

in September there is an Apple Day when apple-related events are held and often there are experts there who will identify your apples for you!

[Clockface]

At Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire they have an annual apple festival where you can take along your as yet unidentifed apples and they tell you what they are. I don't know if other places do anything similar. I've just eaten the first really gorgeous ripe apple from my garden! :)

[talkingnonsense]

When apples are ripe they will fall into your hand when you touch them. Unless they are discovery( red, disc shaped) probably another month.

[Lexilicious]

Try this: Apple ID chart although it might just narrow down the options rather than conclusively identify

[whatatip]

Hmm, that chart was good but I don't think mine were on there. Mine look like brand new tennis balls. I'll keep going out there and touching them to see if they fall into my hand.