What are the most important apple traits that impact consumer preference?

Although a matter of personal preference, most agree the following apple traits affect consumer preference:

  1. Appearance — red apples are preferred over green or yellow apples by most. Good red color means the fruit has reached proper maturity and will eat well. Yellow and green apples, for example Golden Delicious and Granny Smith respectively, are preferred by some for their particular flavor and texture.
  2. Flavor — some people like tart apples (McIntosh), some like sweet apples (Gala), and some like