Apple (fruit)

An apple is an edible fruit which comes from the apple tree (Malus sylvestris). It is widely cultivated in temperate climates. Over 7,000 varieties are known, of which 40 or so are commercially important. The most popular United States variety is known as the Delicious. 15 - 20% of the world's crop is produced in the United States. There are three main types of apples, those used for:

• cooking
• dessert
• making cider

In popular culture, The Forbidden Fruit, which was offered by the serpent to Eve, who then offered the apple to Adam, causing the fall of mankind, is often portrayed as an apple. The Bible does not specify the kind of fruit.

Heath Benefits and Risks

Apples have long been recognized as a healthy food. Although they contain sugar (fructose) they offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which are health for humans and many animals. Because of the health benefits of apples, the saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" was coined. Unfortunately, modern apples are usually grown in the presence of pesticides. These pesticides find their way into this fruit to some extent, even when only the ground is sprayed. Perhaps of greater concern to many is the new genetically modified apple variety called Arctic. This variety was developed and released as quietly as possible by Okanagan Specialty Fruits. It is designed to better resist browning from oxygen exposure than regular apples in order to address the concerns of caterers and food services.

Some Popular Varieties

Name	Ripens	Eating	Cooking	Apple Sauce	Apple Pie	Apple Juice	Apple Butter
Ambrosia	September, mid/late	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Cameo	October early/mid	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Cortland	September, mid/late	Acceptable		Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Empire		Good (tart)	Good
Fuji	October, mid/late	Acceptable		Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Gala	August/September	Very Good	Acceptable	Very Good	Acceptable	Acceptable
Ginger Gold	September
Golden Delicious	September, mid/late	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Granny Smith	October, mid/late	Acceptable	Acceptable				Acceptable
Honeycrisp	September	Very Good	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	Very Good	Acceptable
Jonagold	September mid/late	Very Good		Very Good			Acceptable
Keepsake	September/early October	Acceptable	Acceptable		Acceptable
McIntosh	September	Acceptable		Good		Acceptable	Acceptable
Melrose	October, early/mid	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Red Delicious	September, mid/late	Acceptable		Good			Acceptable
Suncrisp	October, mid/late	Acceptable	Acceptable		Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable