Apples are a unique and special fruit for several reasons:
- Nutritional value: they are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants, such as quercetin, which has been linked to anti-inflammatory effects and improved immune function.
- Versatility: they can be eaten raw, cooked, or baked, and are used in a wide range of dishes, from salads and snacks to desserts and main courses.
- Availability: they are grown in many regions around the world and are widely available year-round, making them an accessible and convenient fruit option for many people.
- Culinary history: they have been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years and have played an important role in human culinary traditions and folklore, such as the story of William Tell.
- Cultural significance: they have also become a cultural icon, symbolizing health, wellness, and knowledge (e.g. the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible).
What Types Are Most Popular With Consumers and Farmers?
The most popular types vary by region and country, but the most common worldwide are:
- Red Delicious: This is a classic American apple with a bright red skin and sweet, juicy flesh.
- Golden Delicious: This type has a yellow-green skin and a sweet, mellow flavor, and is often used for cooking and baking.
- Granny Smith: This type has a tart, crisp flavor and a bright green skin, making it a popular choice for snacking and baking.
- Gala: This type has a mild, sweet flavor and a red and yellow striped skin, making it a popular choice for snacking.
- Fuji: This type has a firm texture and a sweet, crisp flavor, and is often used for snacking and cooking.
- Honeycrisp: This type has a crunchy texture and a sweet, juicy flavor, making it a popular choice for snacking and salads.
These are joined by some of the most popular varieties in Europe:
- Braeburn: Has a sweet, tangy flavor and a red and green striped skin, and is often used for snacking and salads.
- Jonagold: it's a cross between the Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples, and has a crisp texture and a sweet, tangy flavor.
- Cox's Orange Pippin: Has a complex, aromatic flavor and a greenish-yellow skin with a red flush, and is often used for cooking and baking.
- Elstar: Has a sweet, tangy flavor and a red and yellow skin, making it a popular choice for snacking and cooking.
- Boskoop: Has a tart, tangy flavor and a green skin, making it a popular choice for cooking and baking.
- Idared: Has a tart, tangy flavor and a red and green skin, and is often used for cooking and baking.
Surprising Things About Apples
One surprising thing is that they float in water because they are made up of about 25% air. This is why they are often used in bobbing games, where participants try to grab apples out of a bucket of water using only their teeth. Additionally, it is estimated that it would take around 36 pieces to produce one gallon of apple cider, and there are over 7,500 different varieties grown around the world.
Finally, apples were brought to North America by European settlers in the 17th century, and they quickly became a staple crop due to their versatility and hardiness.
The Most Popular Dishes Made with Apples
Apple pie: A classic dessert made with sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a flaky pie crust.
Apple sauce: A sweet and tangy condiment made by cooking apples until they are soft and then pureeing them.
Waldorf salad: A salad made with apples, celery, walnuts, and a creamy dressing.
Apple crisp: A dessert made with sliced apples and a crispy topping made from flour, sugar, and butter.
Apple cider: A beverage made by pressing apples and then simmering the juice until it is reduced and concentrated.
Pork chops with apples: A savory dish made by pan-frying pork chops and then topping them with sautéed apples.
Apple muffins: A breakfast or snack item made with chopped apples and a cinnamon sugar topping.
