Apple

Overview

Country Production

Cultivation

Genome

What is Apple?

Apple is a fruit that belongs to the Rosaceae family and is scientifically known as Malus domestica. It is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed fruits across the globe. The origin of apple is believed to be in Central Asia, and it has been cultivated for thousands of years in various parts of the world. Apples come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, with red, green, and yellow being the most common. The fruit has a smooth, shiny skin that covers a crisp, juicy flesh.

The apple tree is deciduous and bears fruit in the fall or autumn season. It is a hardy tree that can withstand various climatic conditions, and it requires well-drained soil and adequate sunlight for optimal growth. Apples are typically harvested by hand or using mechanical devices, and they are stored in cool, dry places to maintain their freshness and quality. Apples are also used to produce various food products such as apple juice, apple sauce, and apple pie.

Apples have a rich history and cultural significance in various societies around the world. They are often associated with health and vitality, and the phrase "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is a well-known adage that emphasizes the nutritional benefits of consuming apples. In addition to their culinary uses, apples have been used in folklore, literature, and art throughout history. They have been depicted in paintings, poems, and songs, and they have played a prominent role in various cultural traditions and celebrations.

Apple Production in the World

China is the top country producing apples in the world. As of 2022, China produced 47,571,800 tonnes of apples, accounting for 49.64% of the total production. Turkiye is the world's second-largest apple producer, with 4,817,500 tonnes, which represents 5.03% of the total production. In terms of apple yield, New Zealand is the most productive country on the planet with 586,640. United States, Poland, and India are the top three leading countries with '4,429,330', '4,264,700', '2,589,000', and '2,379,900' tonnes respectively. Malta has the lowest production of apples in the world with only 10 tonnes in 2022. The world's total production of apples was estimated at 95,835,967 tonnes in 2022.

Source: FAOSTAT

Top 10 Countries by Apple Production in 2022

Top Countries by Production of Apple in 2022

Rank	Country	Production(Tonnes)	Acreage(Hectare)	Yield
1	China	47,571,800	2,128,943	223,453
2	Turkiye	4,817,500	170,941	281,822
3	United States	4,429,330	116,753	379,376
4	Poland	4,264,700	151,900	280,757
5	India	2,589,000	315,000	82,190
6	Russia	2,379,900	232,842	102,211
7	Italy	2,256,240	53,730	419,922
8	Iran	1,989,734	87,644	227,025
9	France	1,785,660	54,020	330,555
10	Chile	1,479,683	29,035	509,621
11	Uzbekistan	1,313,233	122,459	107,239
12	South Africa	1,231,867	29,387	419,190
13	Ukraine	1,129,120	76,900	146,830
14	Germany	1,070,980	33,110	323,461
15	Brazil	1,047,217	33,311	314,376
16	Egypt	934,414	36,068	259,073
17	Morocco	922,820	51,971	177,564
18	Mexico	817,806	54,959	148,803
19	North Korea	801,533	69,003	116,159
20	Pakistan	758,298	74,061	102,388
21	Japan	737,100	35,100	210,000
22	New Zealand	575,553	9,811	586,640
23	South Korea	566,041	34,603	163,581
24	United Kingdom	555,998	13,719	405,272
25	Romania	543,380	54,070	100,496
26	Algeria	539,852	32,071	168,330
27	Belarus	532,700	56,302	94,614
28	Spain	496,350	29,250	169,692
29	Serbia	486,215	27,253	178,408
30	Moldova	447,700	51,200	87,441
31	Argentina	423,343	15,422	274,513
32	Canada	380,571	15,376	247,510
33	Hungary	350,100	23,820	146,977
34	Syria	331,821	51,405	64,550
35	Azerbaijan	318,197	29,107	109,321
36	Afghanistan	318,000	30,000	106,000
37	Australia	300,518	18,938	158,684
38	Portugal	291,190	13,730	212,083
39	Greece	289,180	10,630	272,041
40	Kazakhstan	267,919	35,727	74,990
41	Austria	260,610	6,300	413,667
42	Lebanon	248,209	14,531	170,817
43	Belgium	238,600	5,230	456,214
44	Tajikistan	237,616	44,869	52,958
45	Netherlands	236,000	5,900	400,000
46	Bosnia and Herzegovina	211,101	14,670	143,900
47	Switzerland	209,029	3,687	566,935
48	North Macedonia	164,530	19,363	84,970
49	Kyrgyzstan	137,102	26,954	50,865
50	Peru	133,022	7,256	183,327
51	Czech Republic	131,350	7,010	187,375
52	Tunisia	127,000	22,538	56,348
53	Israel	104,000	2,573	404,197
54	Albania	103,645	4,294	241,372
55	Armenia	87,542	10,235	85,532
56	Iraq	77,800	23,771	32,729
57	Georgia	76,700	25,293	30,325
58	Turkmenistan	64,831	5,947	109,019
59	Lithuania	51,420	9,880	52,045
60	Nepal	49,989	5,807	86,084
61	Uruguay	49,840	1,987	250,830
62	Slovenia	48,840	2,030	240,591
63	Croatia	46,810	3,650	128,247
64	Bulgaria	46,400	3,720	124,731
65	El Salvador	44,407	6,660	66,676
66	Denmark	41,030	1,410	290,993
67	Yemen	34,714	2,538	136,771
68	Sweden	31,540	1,450	217,517
69	Slovakia	31,070	1,540	201,753
70	Guatemala	26,043	6,052	43,029
71	Ireland	23,200	710	326,761
72	Norway	17,077	1,596	106,999
73	Jordan	16,157	692	233,467
74	Colombia	13,357	450	296,660
75	Libya	10,085	234	431,839
76	Latvia	10,040	3,060	32,810
77	Ecuador	7,210	1,359	53,056
78	Madagascar	7,165	4,660	15,374
79	Finland	7,010	620	113,065
80	Zimbabwe	6,825	768	88,882
81	Estonia	3,290	710	46,338
82	Malawi	3,162	776	40,740
83	Cyprus	2,900	400	72,500
84	Bolivia	2,795	733	38,145
85	Bhutan	2,223	440	50,483
86	Kenya	2,000	795	25,158
87	St. Vincent and the Grenadines	1,645	61	268,636
88	Montenegro	1,535	259	59,355
89	Taiwan	1,400	191	73,433
90	Luxembourg	1,380	100	138,000
91	Palestine	809	113	71,613
92	Paraguay	675	84	79,931
93	Grenada	473	109	43,534
94	Honduras	191	92	20,733
95	Malta	10	-	-

Cultivation of Apple

Cultivating apple trees is a widely practiced agricultural activity that demands thorough planning and efficient management for achieving maximum growth and yield. Below are some key aspects to take into account while cultivating apple trees:

Climate and Soil: Apples grow best in cool to temperate climates, with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0, and it should be deep enough to allow the roots to penetrate and access water and nutrients.
Site Selection: The site selected for planting apple trees should have adequate sunlight exposure, good air circulation, and protection from strong winds. The site should also be free from frost pockets and low-lying areas that can cause waterlogging.
Variety Selection: There are many different varieties of apple trees available, each with its unique characteristics, such as size, color, taste, and disease resistance. It is important to select a variety that is suitable for the local climate, soil, and growing conditions.
Planting: Typically, apple trees are planted during the autumn or spring seasons, and it is crucial to dig a planting hole of sufficient size to avoid cramping or bending of the roots. The tree must be planted at the same depth as it was growing in the nursery, and the soil around it should be gently packed to eliminate any air pockets.
Irrigation and Fertilization: Apple trees require regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. Fertilization should also be done regularly to ensure that the tree has access to essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning: Regular pruning is necessary to remove dead or damaged branches, promote new growth, and maintain the tree's shape and size. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, and care should be taken to avoid damaging the tree.
Pest and Disease Control: Apple trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, codling moths, and apple scabs. It is essential to use integrated pest management strategies, such as crop rotation, natural predators, and disease-resistant varieties, to control pests and diseases and prevent crop loss.

Genome of Apple?

Apples are diploid, although triploid varieties are not uncommon, and have 17 chromosomes with an estimated genome size of about 650 Mb. There have been several whole genome sequences of apples made available, the first one being for the diploid cultivar 'Golden Delicious' in 2010. However, this initial genome sequence was found to contain errors due to the high degree of heterozygosity in diploid apples, which combined with an ancient genome duplication, made assembly complicated. Recently, double- and triploid individuals have been sequenced, resulting in whole genome sequences of higher quality. Triploid cultivars have an additional reproductive barrier in that their three sets of chromosomes cannot be evenly divided during meiosis, resulting in unequal segregation of the chromosomes (aneuploids). Even when a triploid plant can produce seed, it is rare and seedlings often do not survive.

Health Benefits of Apple

Apples are nutritious fruit that offers many health benefits. Here are some of the main health benefits of apples:

Good source of fiber: Apples are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help to keep your digestive system healthy and prevent constipation.
Promotes heart health: Apples contain compounds called flavonoids that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Boosts immune system: Apples are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which can help to strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.
Helps regulate blood sugar: The fiber and polyphenols found in apples can help to regulate blood sugar levels, making them a good food choice for people with diabetes.
Promotes weight loss: Apples are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help to promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.
Supports healthy brain function: The antioxidants found in apples can help to protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to cognitive decline and neurological disorders.
May reduce the risk of certain cancers: Some studies have suggested that consuming apples regularly may reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as lung, breast, and colon cancer.

Overall, adding apples to your diet can be a simple and effective way to improve your overall health and well-being.

Nutritional Information of Apple

Here is the approximate nutritional information for 100 grams of raw apple:

Calories: 52
Carbohydrates: 14 grams
Fiber: 2.4 grams
Sugar: 10 grams
Protein: 0.3 grams
Fat: 0.2 grams
Vitamin C: 7% of the Daily Value (DV)
Potassium: 1% of the DV
Vitamin K: 3% of the DV

Apples are also a good source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The fiber content in apples can also help improve digestion and promote feelings of fullness, making them a healthy snack option. However, it is important to note that the nutritional content of apples can vary depending on the variety and ripeness of the fruit.

Structure of Apple

An apple is categorized as a pomaceous fruit, implying that it comprises a core at the center enclosing seeds, encompassed by an edible and pulpy part. The following is a detailed depiction of the anatomy of an apple:

Skin: The outer layer of the apple is a thin, smooth skin that ranges in color from red, green, yellow, or a combination of these colors. The skin is high in fiber and contains many of the apple's antioxidants.
Flesh: The flesh of the apple is the edible part that surrounds the core. It is juicy, and crunchy, and can range in color from white to yellow. The flesh contains most of the apple's nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Core: The core of the apple is located at the center of the fruit and contains the seeds. The core is tough and fibrous and is usually discarded when eating the apple.
Seeds: The apple seeds are minute and brown, situated within the core. An apple usually comprises multiple seeds that function for propagation purposes when the apple tree blossoms and generates fruit.
Stem: The stem of an apple is a tiny, ligneous component that links the fruit to the tree. It is commonly eliminated before consuming the apple.

The structure of the apple is relatively simple, but it is rich in nutrients and has a variety of culinary uses.

Taxonomy of Apple?

Apple trees are vulnerable to several fungal, and bacterial diseases, and insect pests. Many commercial orchards use chemical sprays to maintain high fruit quality, tree health, and high yields. However, they prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, but some older pesticides are allowed. Organic methods include introducing natural predators to control the population of specific pests. There are a variety of pests and diseases that can affect apple trees. Three of the most common are mildew, aphids, and apple scab. Apples contain various phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols which are being researched for their potential health benefits. A form of apple allergy, known as a birch-apple syndrome, is common in Northern Europe and affects people who are also allergic to birch pollen. Apple seeds contain small amounts of a compound called amygdalin, which is a sugar and cyanide compound known as a cyanogenic glycoside. Eating small amounts of apple seeds does not cause harm, but consuming large amounts can cause adverse reactions.

Types of Apple

There are hundreds of varieties of apples grown around the world, each with its unique flavor, texture, and appearance. Here are some of the most popular types of apples and the regions in which they are commonly grown:

Red Delicious: This is a bright red apple with a slightly elongated shape and a sweet, juicy flavor. It is primarily grown in Washington State in the United States.
Granny Smith: This is a tart, green apple with a firm texture that is commonly used in baking. It originated in Australia but is now grown in many regions around the world.
Gala: This is a sweet, crisp apple with a yellow or apple-red color. It was developed in New Zealand but is now grown in many regions, including the United States and Europe.
Honeycrisp: This is a sweet and juicy apple with a crisp texture. It was developed in Minnesota in the United States but is now grown in many regions around the world.
Fuji: This is a sweet and crunchy apple with yellow or green skin with red highlights. It was developed in Japan but is now grown in many regions, including the United States, New Zealand, and China.
Braeburn: This is a tart and spicy apple with a firm texture. It was developed in New Zealand but is now grown in many regions, including the United States and Europe.
Golden Delicious: This is a yellow-green apple with a sweet, mellow flavor. It is primarily grown in the United States, particularly in the states of Virginia and West Virginia.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of apples grown around the world. The climate, soil, and other growing conditions can affect the flavor and texture of the apples, leading to variations even within the same type of apple grown in different regions.

Uses of Apple

Apples are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of ways, including:

Eating raw: Apples can be enjoyed as a healthy snack when eaten raw. They are delicious on their own or can be paired with other foods such as cheese or nut butter.
Cooking: Apples can be used in a variety of cooked dishes, including pies, crisps, sauces, and chutneys. They can also be added to savory dishes, such as pork or chicken, to add a sweet and tart flavor.
Juicing: Apples can be juiced to make apple juice or added to other juices for a natural sweetener.
Cider: Apples can be fermented to make cider, a popular alcoholic beverage.
Vinegar: Apples can also be used to make apple cider vinegar, which is commonly used in cooking and as a natural remedy for various health conditions.
Cosmetics: Apples contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be used in cosmetics, including face masks and skin creams.
Animal feed: Apples can be used as a healthy and nutritious snack for some livestock, such as horses or cows.

The uses of apples are varied and extend beyond just being a tasty snack. They are versatile fruit that can be used in a range of culinary, cosmetic, and agricultural applications.