From the passage, the apples in each of the seasons (early in the season and end of the season) have different attributes. In addition, there is a large yield during mid-season which is mostly due to larger and brighter apples picked early in the season. However, during the near end of the season, the apples decrease owing to its smaller size and dull nature.

And from the pie maker claim that her profit will increase near the end of this year season is a testament to the fact that the characteristics of the apples on each of the seasons affect the price of pies. I.e, when apples are bright and larger, she makes less profit due to low patronage and when apples are smaller and duller near the end of the season, her profits increase due to high patronage.

Option E - Correct
This claim resonates with the explanation above.



Option A - Incorrect
The passage didn't give account on previous years. As such, we cannot evaluate the pie maker's claim based on this statement.

Option B - Incorrect
This is out of context as the pie maker only uses the orchard to make and sell pie.

Option C - Incorrect
This is not true! The apples have nothing to do with the taste of the pies. It's evident from the passage that the number of apple yield decreases near the end of the season because they are smaller and duller. hence, the urge for consumers to go for pies.

Option D - Incorrect
The pie maker's only talked about this year's season profit alone. Thus, we cannot compare it to last season as we do not have information about her last season's profit.