Apples
The apples are the fruit of the apple tree
(Malus communis)
MAIN MARKETED VARIETIES:
Gala Group, Golden Delicious Group, Red Delicious Group, Granny Smith Group, Fuji Group, Renette and others
ORIGINS:
The history of the apple tree is very ancient. It’s thought that the center of origin is a mountainous region in Southeast China where, through the propagation of the species Malus sieversii, began the development of the culture of the wild apple tree (Malus communis silvestris) and later of the other species, including Malus communis, which is native to western Asia and Europe and the most cultivated species for fruit production. There are other Malus spp. that are used to produce apples for cider, rootstock, or with strong ornamental value.
The apple tree is one of the most widespread fruit plants in Europe, Asia and North America.
THE FRUIT:
There are many varieties of apple that are very different from each other. Therefore one may encounter spherical or oval fruit, different sizes and various colors from green to yellow to pink to red, uniformly colored or two-tone.
FLAVOR:
can vary from sweet and aromatic to acidic depending on the variety. Also the average caloric values of the fruit can vary depending on the variety. In fact, you can find values ranging from 38 – 44 calories per 100 grams of weight.
MATURATION:
August 15 – October 30
MARKETING:
August 15 – May 15
HEALTH BENEFITS:
Apples are rich in mineral salts, fiber and vitamins making them particularly nutritious with a low calorie content. Among their properties is the ability to regulate intestinal bacterial flora.
Furthermore, apples (and in particular red apples) contain polyphenols, antioxidants that work to neutralize free radicals and act on oxidative stress mechanisms that influence cardiovascular diseases, aging and tumors.