Types of apples, properties and benefits

The apple is one of the most popular fruits in the world. It belongs to the Rosaceae family, which includes shrubs such as roses, almond and cherry, the apple is characterised by its adaptation to low temperatures, allowing it to grow in all the countries which have relatively cold weather.

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Although we do not know where the first cultivated apple comes from, we do know that some 20,000 years ago it was already cultivated in Central Asia.

Variety

There are more than a thousand apple varieties worldwide, although those that dominate the market are:

Golden: of American origin, it is one of the most cultivated varieties in the world. Its colour is bright yellow or slightly greenish depending on its maturity. The flesh is yellowish-white and juicy, crisp and sweet. We can find it in the market all year round, but it is harvested in late summer and early autumn.
Red delicious: bright red colour and very tasty with a sweet whitish pulp. Just like the golden it is of American origin.
Royal gala: comes from New Zealand, its skin is yellow-green with reddish or green streaks in the area near the stem. Its taste is very sweet, and we can find it in the market from late summer to early spring.
Fuji: comes from Japan, its skin is a light yellow covered by a kind of mantle of red-yellowish colour with some dark red strips. Its flesh is cream-coloured, it has a very sweet flavour, is crunchy and has lots of juice. This variety can be found in the market practically all year round.
Reineta: includes a group of apple varieties of French origin. They all have a common characteristic of a more or less yellowish pulp, a thick skin and a slightly acid taste.
Ambrosía: originated in Canada, is medium sized, has bi-coloured skin which is predominantly red over a yellow background. Its flesh is cream-coloured, juicy, crunchy, aromatic and sweet although with a very light acidity.
Granny Smith: of Australian origin and intense green colour. Crunchy, juicy and sour.
Pink Lady: is from Australia. Very aromatic, with a pink tonality, crunchy and tasty.

Propiedades nutricionales

More than half is water.
Low calorie.
Source of vitamin C and fibre.

Apples can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. To keep them for longer it is advisable to put them in a plastic bag and spray them with water.

The apple is a very versatile fruit and can be consumed in many ways: raw in salads, or cooked in sauces, stews, compotes, cakes, jams ... Also in beverages such as cider, wines and spirits such as apple brandy.