The Many Varieties of Apples: A Guide for Apple Lovers
Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and for good reason. They’re delicious, nutritious, and versatile. But did you know that there are over 7,500 varieties of apples grown around the world?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of apple trees and some of the most common apple varieties. We’ll also provide some tips on how to identify apple tree varieties and how to grow your own apples.
Primary Apple Tree Types
Most domestic apples come from two primary apple tree types: Malus pumila and Malus sylvestris. Malus pumila is native to Central Asia, while Malus sylvestris is native to Europe. These two species have been hybridized over the centuries to create the many different varieties of apples that we enjoy today.
Apple tree types can be further classified based on their climate tolerance. Some apple tree types are more tolerant of cold weather than others. For example, the ‘Honeycrisp’ apple tree is a cold-hardy variety that can be grown in climates as far north as Alaska. Other apple tree types, such as the ‘Fuji’ apple tree, prefer milder climates.
Common Apple Varieties
There are hundreds of different apple varieties grown around the world, but some of the most common include:
- Yellow Delicious: A sweet, mild apple with bright yellow skin. Yellow Delicious apples are good for eating raw or for baking.
- Red Delicious: Similar to Yellow Delicious, but with a red skin. Red Delicious apples are not as popular as they once were, due to their bland flavor and mealy texture.
- McIntosh: A bright red apple with a sweet-tart flavor. McIntosh apples are good for eating raw or cooking into a sauce, but they don’t hold up well for baking.
- Rome: A mild, juicy, slightly sweet apple with bright red skin. Rome apples improve in flavor when sauteed or baked.
- Gala: A heart-shaped, gold apple with a pinkish-orange stripe. Gala apples are fragrant, crisp, and juicy with a sweet flavor. They are good eaten raw, baked, or cooked into a sauce.
- Winesap: An old-fashioned, reddish-violet apple with a spicy flavor. Winesap apples are excellent for eating raw and for making cider.
- Granny Smith: A familiar, lime-green apple with a crisp, juicy texture and a tart and tangy flavor. Granny Smith apples are good raw and work well in pies.
- Fuji: A very sweet, crisp apple with skin that ranges from deep red to greenish-yellow with red highlights. Fuji apples are good either raw or baked.
- Braeburn: A unique apple with a thin skin and a sweet, tart, slightly spicy flavor. Braeburn apples are very good for eating raw and also hold up well for baking.
- Honeycrisp: Appropriately named for its moderately crunchy texture and sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Honeycrisp apples are good for any purpose.
- Pink Lady: A firm, crunchy apple with a tart, slightly sweet flavor. Pink Lady apples are good raw or baked.
How to Identify Apple Tree Varieties
Apple tree varieties can be identified by their skin color, size, flavor, and firmness. Skin color is the most obvious way to identify an apple tree variety, but it is not always a reliable indicator. For example, there are many different varieties of red apples, and some green apples can be quite sweet.
Size is another way to identify apple tree varieties. Some apple varieties, such as the ‘Granny Smith’ apple, are known for their large size. Other varieties, such as the ‘Gala’ apple, are smaller.
Flavor is also a key way to identify apple tree varieties. Some apples, such as the ‘Honeycrisp’ apple, are known for their sweet flavor. Other apples, such as the ‘Winesap’ apple, have a more tart flavor.
Firmness is another way to identify apple tree varieties. Some apples, such as the ‘Fuji’ apple, are known for their crisp texture. Other apples, such as the ‘Red Delicious’ apple, are softer.
Growing Your Own Apples
If you’re interested in growing your own apples, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to choose the right apple tree variety for your climate. Some apple tree varieties are more tolerant of cold weather than others.
Once you’ve chosen an apple tree variety, you need to find a suitable location to plant it. Apple trees need full sun and well-drained soil. They also need to be protected from the wind.
Once you’ve planted your apple tree, you need to water it regularly and fertilize it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apple trees typically bear fruit within 3-5 years of planting.
Conclusion
Apples are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile fruit. There are over 7,500 varieties of apples grown around the world, so there’s sure to be an apple variety that everyone can enjoy. If you’re interested in growing your own apples, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to choose the right apple tree variety for your climate. Once you’ve chosen an apple tree variety, you need to find a suitable location to plant it. Apple trees need full sun and well-drained soil. They also need to be protected from the wind. Once you’ve planted your apple tree, you need to water it regularly and fertilize it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apple trees typically bear fruit within 3-5 years of planting.
