Who’s an apple’s favorite relative? Their “Granny” of course!

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the United States. There is nothing more American than apple pie, right? Surprise! Apples originate from Central Asia between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea and were brought to the US in the 17th century. There are 7,500 apple varieties grown worldwide and “Granny Smith” is just one type.

The best way to grow apples is to transplant grafted trees, which means that there are two or more varieties in one tree. Grafting is done for the purpose of reproducing a specific variety of apple. Once an apple tree is ready to produce fruit, it will bloom white or pink blossoms, and once pollinated, these blossoms will become the apples we eat.

Apples are sweet, delicious, and high in nutrients. A medium size apple, which you may typically find at a grocery store, contains fiber, Vitamin C, beta carotene, and potassium. All of these nutrients benefit the body in different ways: fiber aids digestion, Vitamin C helps your body grow and repair tissues, beta carotene, the precursor for vitamin A, supports eye health, and potassium aids in muscle contractions. 

While learning about its history and nutrient content is all fine and dandy, what’s the point if you don’t know how to pick apples or what to do with them?! In a nutshell: look for fruits with smooth skin, little to no bruising, and that are bright and sparkly in color. To store them, put apples in the produce drawer in your refrigerator. Cut apples can be brushed with a bit of lemon juice and placed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Wash apples before eating and there is no need to peel them. Enjoy them freshly sliced with peanut butter, chop and add to a salad, bake in a pie, or even cook them into apple butter.

The possibilities are endless! Get creative!