Yes, you can eat cooking apples raw. They are safe to eat but tend to have a sharp, tart taste and a firmer flesh that many people find less enjoyable than eating apples. Eating too many raw cooking apples may cause stomach ache or indigestion due to their higher malic acid content, so some people prefer to cook them to soften the texture and mellow the flavor. Cooking apples like Bramley are often preferred cooked for their taste and texture, but raw consumption is not harmful if you like the tartness. The skin is edible but usually thicker and tougher than eating apples, which might affect raw eating enjoyment.

In summary:

• Cooking apples can be eaten raw.
• They are generally more tart and firm than eating apples.
• Raw cooking apples can sometimes cause stomach discomfort if eaten in large amounts.
• The skin is edible but tougher than eating apple varieties.
• Most people prefer cooking them to mellow flavor and soften texture.