Apple

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
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China
47,571,8002,128,943223,453
2
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Turkiye
4,817,500170,941281,822
3
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United States
4,429,330116,753379,376
4
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Poland
4,264,700151,900280,757
5
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India
2,589,000315,00082,190
6
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Russia
2,379,900232,842102,211
7
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Italy
2,256,24053,730419,922
8
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Iran
1,989,73487,644227,025
9
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France
1,785,66054,020330,555
10
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Chile
1,479,68329,035509,621
11
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Uzbekistan
1,313,233122,459107,239
12
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South Africa
1,231,86729,387419,190
13
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Ukraine
1,129,12076,900146,830
14
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Germany
1,070,98033,110323,461
15
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Brazil
1,047,21733,311314,376
16
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Egypt
934,41436,068259,073
17
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Morocco
922,82051,971177,564
18
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Mexico
817,80654,959148,803
19
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North Korea
801,53369,003116,159
20
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Pakistan
758,29874,061102,388
21
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Japan
737,10035,100210,000
22
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New Zealand
575,5539,811586,640
23
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South Korea
566,04134,603163,581
24
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United Kingdom
555,99813,719405,272
25
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Romania
543,38054,070100,496
26
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Algeria
539,85232,071168,330
27
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Belarus
532,70056,30294,614
28
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Spain
496,35029,250169,692
29
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Serbia
486,21527,253178,408
30
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Moldova
447,70051,20087,441
31
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Argentina
423,34315,422274,513
32
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Canada
380,57115,376247,510
33
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Hungary
350,10023,820146,977
34
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Syria
331,82151,40564,550
35
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Azerbaijan
318,19729,107109,321
36
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Afghanistan
318,00030,000106,000
37
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Australia
300,51818,938158,684
38
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Portugal
291,19013,730212,083
39
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Greece
289,18010,630272,041
40
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Kazakhstan
267,91935,72774,990
41
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Austria
260,6106,300413,667
42
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Lebanon
248,20914,531170,817
43
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Belgium
238,6005,230456,214
44
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Tajikistan
237,61644,86952,958
45
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Netherlands
236,0005,900400,000
46
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
211,10114,670143,900
47
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Switzerland
209,0293,687566,935
48
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North Macedonia
164,53019,36384,970
49
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Kyrgyzstan
137,10226,95450,865
50
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Peru
133,0227,256183,327
51
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Czech Republic
131,3507,010187,375
52
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Tunisia
127,00022,53856,348
53
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Israel
104,0002,573404,197
54
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Albania
103,6454,294241,372
55
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Armenia
87,54210,23585,532
56
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Iraq
77,80023,77132,729
57
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Georgia
76,70025,29330,325
58
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Turkmenistan
64,8315,947109,019
59
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Lithuania
51,4209,88052,045
60
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Nepal
49,9895,80786,084
61
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Uruguay
49,8401,987250,830
62
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Slovenia
48,8402,030240,591
63
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Croatia
46,8103,650128,247
64
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Bulgaria
46,4003,720124,731
65
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El Salvador
44,4076,66066,676
66
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Denmark
41,0301,410290,993
67
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Yemen
34,7142,538136,771
68
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Sweden
31,5401,450217,517
69
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Slovakia
31,0701,540201,753
70
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Guatemala
26,0436,05243,029
71
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Ireland
23,200710326,761
72
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Norway
17,0771,596106,999
73
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Jordan
16,157692233,467
74
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Colombia
13,357450296,660
75
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Libya
10,085234431,839
76
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Latvia
10,0403,06032,810
77
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Ecuador
7,2101,35953,056
78
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Madagascar
7,1654,66015,374
79
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Finland
7,010620113,065
80
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Zimbabwe
6,82576888,882
81
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Estonia
3,29071046,338
82
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Malawi
3,16277640,740
83
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Cyprus
2,90040072,500
84
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Bolivia
2,79573338,145
85
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Bhutan
2,22344050,483
86
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Kenya
2,00079525,158
87
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St. Vincent and the Grenadines
1,64561268,636
88
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Montenegro
1,53525959,355
89
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Taiwan
1,40019173,433
90
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Luxembourg
1,380100138,000
91
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Palestine
80911371,613
92
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Paraguay
6758479,931
93
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Grenada
47310943,534
94
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Honduras
1919220,733
95
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Boosts immune system: Apples are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which can help to strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Juicing: Apples can be juiced to make apple juice or added to other juices for a natural sweetener.
  4. Cider: Apples can be fermented to make cider, a popular alcoholic beverage.
  5. 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.
  6. Cosmetics: Apples contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be used in cosmetics, including face masks and skin creams.
  7. 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.