Did you know ?
- There are over 7,500 apple varieties grown worldwide.
- Apples float because they are 25% air by volume.
- The average apple tree can produce up to 200 pounds of apples annually.
Apple
The apple (Malus domestica) is a popular and versatile fruit known for its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. Rich in fiber and antioxidants, apples come in various colors and sizes, offering a range of tastes from tart to sweet. They are widely consumed fresh, used in cooking, and processed into various products.
View other Pome fruits
Detailed nutritional values
Section titled “ Detailed nutritional values”Values of an average apple (~182g) :
| Calories | 95 kcal |
| Proteins | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| of which sugars | 19g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fats | 0.3g |
Vitamins and minerals
Main vitamins
Main minerals and trace elements
Nutritional values may vary depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
How to know if an apple is ripe
Section titled “ How to know if is ripe”
Perfectly ripe
Bright color characteristic of the variety, crisp, juicy, slightly soft to the touch, pleasant fruity aroma, balanced flavor between sweetness and acidity.
How to recognize this state :
- Bright, vibrant color (red, yellow, or green depending on variety)
- Firm but with slight give when gently squeezed
- Juicy and crisp flesh
- Pleasant, sweet aroma
- Perfect balance between sweetness and acidity
- Smooth skin without wrinkles or dents
- Stem firmly attached
- Dark brown seeds inside
- Heavy for its size
Advice for ripe products
A perfectly ripe apple offers the best flavor and texture. Consume it quickly or refrigerate to maintain freshness for 4-6 weeks.
Varieties examples
Section titled “ Varieties examples”Granny Smith
Tart and firm, perfect for baking.
Honeycrisp
Juicy with a balanced sweetness, great for fresh eating.
Fuji
Sweet and crisp, ideal for snacking.
Golden Delicious
Juicy, sweet and mild, perfect for snacking or baking.
How to choose an apple
Section titled “ How to choose ”To choose a quality apple at the supermarket or market :
- Look for firm apples with smooth, unblemished skin
- Choose apples that feel heavy for their size
- Avoid apples with bruises, cuts, or soft spots
- Select apples with a fresh, pleasant aroma
- Consider the intended use (eating fresh vs. cooking) when choosing varieties
How to store an apple
Section titled “ How to store ”Store apples in the refrigerator's crisper drawer to maintain freshness for up to 4-6 weeks. Keep them separate from other fruits and vegetables, as apples release ethylene gas which can speed up ripening in other produce. For longer storage, wrap each apple in paper and keep in a cool, dark place like a cellar.
How to ripen an apple
Section titled “ How to ripen ”If you bought an unripe apple, here's how to speed up the process :
- Place apples in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to speed up the process
- Leave apples at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for a few days
Health benefits of an apple
Section titled “ Health benefits of ”- Rich in antioxidants that may lower risk of chronic diseases
- High in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding weight management
- Supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels
- Boosts immunity with vitamin C content
- May help improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases
Origin of an apple
Section titled “ Origin of ”Apples have been cultivated for thousands of years, with their wild ancestors originating in Central Asia. The domesticated apple (Malus domestica) spread along the Silk Road and was later introduced to other parts of the world by European colonists. Today, apples are grown in temperate climates worldwide and have become one of the most popular fruits globally.
Regions of origin
- Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan)
- Western Asia (Turkey, Iran)
Cook an apple according to its ripeness
Section titled “ Cook according to its ripeness”Unripe
- Tart apple chutney
- Green apple slaw
- Pickled apples
Perfectly ripe
- Caramel-dipped apples
- Classic apple pie
- Fresh apple smoothie
Too ripe
- Homemade applesauce
- Spiced apple cake
- Apple cinnamon muffins
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “ Frequently asked questions”Warnings and precautions for an apple
Section titled “ Warnings and precautions for ”- Wash apples thoroughly to remove potential pesticide residues if not organic
- Avoid consuming large quantities of apple seeds due to their cyanide content
- Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort due to high fiber content
- Discard apples with mold, as some molds produce dangerous mycotoxins
Do not confuse with
Similar in shape to apples but with a grainier texture and different flavor profile.
Resembles a large, lumpy apple but is much harder and cannot be eaten raw.
Smaller than regular apples and often too tart for fresh eating, typically used for jams or ornamental purposes.