Malus domestica

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Apple
Apples from a tree
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
Missing taxonomy template ([//en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?action=edit&title=Template:taxonomy/Malus&preload=Template:Taxonomy/preload fix]):	Malus
Species	Template:Taxonomy/Malus M. domestica
colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Binomial name
Template:Taxonomy/Malus Malus domestica Borkh.

Malus domestica, commonly known as the apple, is a fruit tree species in the Rosaceae family. It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits, and the most widely known of the many members of genus Malus that are used by humans. Apples grow on small, deciduous trees that originated in Central Asia, where its wild ancestor, Malus sieversii, is still found today. Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe and were brought to North America by European colonists.

Description

The apple tree ranges in size from 1 to 12 meters tall, depending on the rootstock. The leaves are alternately arranged dark green-colored simple ovals with serrated margins and slightly downy undersides. Blossoms are produced in spring simultaneously with the budding of the leaves. Apple blossoms are white with a pink tinge that gradually fades, five petaled, and 2.5 to 3.5 cm in diameter.

The fruit matures in late summer or autumn, and cultivars exist in a wide range of sizes. Commercial growers aim to produce an apple that is 7 to 8.5 cm in diameter, due to market preference. Apples are generally red, yellow, green, or russet colored and contain seeds. The skin may be thick or thin, and the flesh is typically juicy and crisp. Most varieties are bred for raw consumption, but some are cultivated specifically for cooking or producing cider.

Cultivation

Apple trees are cultivated worldwide and are the most widely grown species in the genus Malus. The tree prefers cold climates and requires moderate summer temperatures and bright sun to grow fruit. The trees also need well-drained soil and benefit from being planted in a location with full sun exposure. Apple trees are susceptible to a number of fungal and bacterial diseases and insect pests, which can be controlled by a number of organic and non-organic means.

In commercial orchards, trees are typically trained and pruned to a size and shape that is conducive to mechanized picking and yields large quantities of high-quality fruit. Commonly, the trees are grown in controlled environments that optimize growth and fruit production.

Varieties

There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples. Different cultivars are bred for various tastes and uses, including cooking, eating raw, and cider production. Some varieties are made into dried apples or apple butter, while others are used fresh. Popular eating varieties include 'Red Delicious', 'Golden Delicious', 'Fuji', and 'Granny Smith'. 'Cox's Orange Pippin' and 'Bramley' are commonly used cooking apples.

Uses

Apples are often eaten raw or used as a flavoring or ingredient in various dishes, juices, or ciders. They can be baked, minced, mashed, frozen, or even dried into chips as a snack. In addition to being consumed fresh, apples are commonly processed into apple juice, cider, vinegar, and apple brandy. Apple cider vinegar is known for its health benefits and is used in various medicinal remedies.

Cultural Significance

Apples have been a symbol of knowledge, immortality, temptation, and sin throughout history, particularly in Christian tradition. The apple appears in many religious traditions, often as a mystical or forbidden fruit. It is one of the most important fruits in Western culture and has been a symbol used in many artistic representations.

See also

• Fruit tree
• Orchard
• Cider apple
• Cooking apple