All About Apples

An apple is a particular type of fruit that’s considered a pome. The word pome is derived from Latin translation of the word “fruit”. This fruit family is borne from flowering trees in the Rosaceae, or rose, family. A pome fruit grows in such a way where many carpels (aka ovaries) and parts of the flower fuse together to form a fleshy fruit that carries the plant’s seeds. In contrast, a berry grows from a single flower that has a single, simple ovary. Another example of a pome fruit is a pear. 

Apples are among the most classic fruit flavors here in the United States. Texture of the fruit’s flesh varies slightly among varieties, but apples generally have a firm, crunchy yet juicy flesh that’s sweet with other dominant bitter, sour or tart flavors. The edible skin is usually thin and slightly waxy and can have a sweet or bitter flavor. In general, apple seeds are not edible and should be removed before eating. 

Chances are, if you’re holding an apple, it’s ripe enough to eat! Apples are harvested when ripe, so they’re always ready to eat by the time they get to you. Unripened apples are usually very green in color, no matter the variety, and would not have developed enough to be tasty. 

With over 7,500 varieties of apples grown throughout the world, apples come in a variety of autumnal colors. On the outside, apples can have pale or bold hues of yellow, orange, red, green, brown, pink and purple. Their skin can be evenly colored, or have blushes and speckles of many colors. Inside, the crisp, firm flesh is typically white to off-white, and can have flushes or lines of darker colors like pink and red. Different kinds of apples vary widely in size, from about a walnut to as large as a softball!

Today apples grow all around the world, but they originated in a region of central Asia between the Black and Caspian Seas where Kazakhstan is today. Depending on who you ask, apples may have been cultivated as far back as 10,000 years ago! The largest producers of apples today include China, the United States, and Turkey. They’re also grown across parts of Europe, Asia and South America. 

Apples grow on trees botanically known as Malus domestica. Because apple trees are so significantly cultivated, there are over 7,500 different malus related trees producing apples all around the world. These trees are deciduous with shiny, oblong pointed leaves and can be tall or shrubby.

Today apples grow all around the world, but they originated in a region of central Asia between the Black and Caspian Seas where Kazakhstan is today. Depending on who you ask, apples may have been cultivated as far back as 10,000 years ago! The largest producers of apples today include China, the United States, and Turkey. They’re also grown across parts of Europe, Asia and South America.

Apples grow on trees botanically known as Malus domestica. Because apple trees are so significantly cultivated, there are over 7,500 different malus related trees producing apples all around the world. These trees are deciduous with shiny, oblong pointed leaves and can be tall or shrubby.

Apples are available year round in the United States, but their peak season happens around August and September in the summer through late fall.

Whether FruitStand apple harvest shipments are certified organic or not will depend on the farm where it was grown. At FruitStand, we only partner with the best specialty farms for exceptional quality of produce. When each harvest is available, we'll tell you whether the fruit is considered organic or conventional.

If you’ve ever wondered where to buy fresh, specialty apples, we’ve got great news for you! FruitStand is proud to partner with small, specialty farmers to bring you exceptional quality and rare varieties of apples. To be the first to know when FruitStand is shipping rare apple harvests, join our email newsletter!

Still curious about apples? Send us your apple questions on Instagram @Fruitstandcom!