The Apple Fruit

The apple fruit is the quintessential fruit. It is refreshing, crisp, gorgeous looking, diverse, delectable, and versatile. There are numerous ways to enjoy this nutritious, satisfying fruit. It is a great addition to any diet. Whether one is attempting to maintain, gain, or lose weight, the apple is your diet ally.

A Little Background

The apple fruit originates in the "temperate zones of the northern and southern hemispheres", and are know to have been consumed by the "early Europeans". In the America, the infamous John Chapman, a "professional nurseryman" also known as Johnny Appleseed, cultivated many apple trees throughout the states of Ohio and Indiana.

Get a Load of those Apples!

Today, the apple ranks as the "most widely cultivated tree fruit". The major apples producers of the world are the "United States, China, France, Italy, and Turkey" while the worlds major apple exporters are "France, Italy, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and the United States". The apple, scientifically classified as malus pumitra var mitris is also a member of the "family Rosaceae". Diverse, the variety of apples types serves the variety of ways in which the fruit is enjoyed. Each variety possesses characteristics that are reflective of it common uses. The varieties may differ by "color, size, aroma, smoothness, and crispness". This sweet fruit is used the world over at an astonishing rate of "about 32,000,000 metric tons per year" with "more than have of that amount used as fresh fruit". The remaining production contributes to "vinegar, cider, juice, jelly, apple butter...pie stock and applesauce" products. Apple fruit is capable in growing in diverse climates, but depending upon the climate it is grown, length of time for fruit storage varies. Since apples "thrive in areas having a distinct winter because of a long period of dormancy...apples ripening during late summer are of poor quality for storage." Those apples grown in late autumn seem to be far better suited for extended period, even up to a year when stored in "almost freezing temperatures".

What has Your Fruit Done for You Lately?

Providing consumer with substantial amounts of eye-loving vitamin A and immune system supporting vitamin C, apples are a great way to help your body stay in tiptop shape. In addition, the apple fruit contains healthy carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which may aid in healthy digestion and feelings of satiety. Apples alone may fail to keep the doctor away, but they can certainly add zing to virtually any diet and provide substantial nutrients that are necessary to maintaining health.