Anna (apple)

Anna (apple) is a type of apple that was developed in Israel during the 1950s. It is a hybrid of the 'Golden Delicious' and 'Dorsett Golden' apple varieties. The Anna apple is known for its ability to grow in warmer climates, which is unusual for apples, as they typically require a cold winter period to produce fruit.

History

The Anna apple was developed by researchers at the Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center in Israel. The goal was to create an apple variety that could thrive in the country's warm climate. The researchers crossed the 'Golden Delicious' and 'Dorsett Golden' varieties, both of which are known for their heat tolerance. The result was the Anna apple, which was released to the public in the 1950s.

Characteristics

The Anna apple is a medium to large-sized fruit with a green to yellow skin that is often blushed with red. The flesh is crisp and sweet, similar to the 'Golden Delicious'. The tree is a low-chill variety, meaning it requires fewer hours of cold temperatures than most apple trees to produce fruit. This makes it suitable for growing in warm climates where other apple varieties would not thrive.

Cultivation

Anna apples are grown in various parts of the world, including the southern United States, Australia, and South Africa. They are also still grown in Israel. The trees are typically planted in the late winter or early spring and begin producing fruit in their second or third year. They require full sun and well-drained soil.

Uses

Anna apples are primarily used for fresh eating, but they can also be used in cooking and baking. They make excellent applesauce and apple pies. Their sweet flavor and crisp texture also make them a good choice for salads and other raw dishes.

See also

• List of apple cultivars
• Agriculture in Israel