Apple Facts: History, Varieties & Production

Apples are an important product throughout the world. Apples originated on the land between the Caspian and Black Seas. The apple is the second most productive fruit in the United States and this seeded fruit can be produced all year long.

Geography

• Apples grow in each of the 50 states. The United States, Turkey, China, Italy and Poland produce the most apples per year in the world.

Types

• There are at least 7,500 different types of apples grown in the world. The most popular varieties in the United States include the red delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, gala, honeycrisp, rome and mcintosh apples.

Nutritional Info

• Apples provide five grams of fiber per medium fruit. The skin contains most of this fiber as well as antioxidants, which help lessen the effects of cellular damage.

Uses

• Apples are used for ciders, pies, preserves, cakes, purees, juice, wax, butter and vinegar. About 60 percent of apples are sold fresh per year while the other 40 percent turn into apple products.

Fun Fact

• Just because you plant a seed from a particular variety of apple does not mean that seed will produce the same type of apple tree.