Apples

An apple is a round, edible fruit produced by an apple tree, which is a deciduous tree typically growing to 5–12 m (16–39 ft) tall, with a dense, twiggy crown. The leaves are alternately arranged, simple, 2.5–15 cm (1–6 in) long, with serrated margins and slightly downy surfaces. Blossoms appear in spring, with the fruiting bodies maturing in late summer or autumn. The centre of the fruit contains five carpels arranged in a five-pointed star, with each carpel containing one or two seeds.

Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe, and were brought to North America by European colonists. Apples were first introduced to Australia in 1788 by English settlers at the Sydney Botanical Gardens. The most popular varieties of apples in the 21st century are Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Fuji.

The apple tree is believed to have originated in the region of the Caucasus, between the Black and Caspian seas. It is thought to have been domesticated in Central Asia, where its wild ancestors are still found. The earliest evidence of apple cultivation dates back to 6500 BC, when people living in the region of the Caucasus were growing apples.

Apples were brought to Europe by the Romans, who introduced the fruit to England and Germany.

The first recorded mention of apples in England was in a 9th-century text, and by the 11th century, apple trees were being grown in monasteries. Apples were brought to North America by European colonists in the 17th century.

Today, apples are grown in all temperate regions of the world. The top apple-producing countries are China, the United States, Turkey, Italy, and India.