Apple(foam fruit)
Fruit of the genus Malus, in the rose family, the most
widely cultivated tree fruit. Malus species are native to the temperate zones
of both hemispheres.
They require a considerable period of dormancy, well-drained
soil, careful pruning in early years of growth, and a rigorous pest-management
program for mature trees. The apple is one of the pome (fleshy) fruits. Apples
at harvest vary widely in size, shape, colour, and acidity, but most are fairly
round and some shade of red or yellow. The thousands of varieties fall into
three broad classes: cider, cooking, and dessert varieties. Varieties that
ripen in late summer generally do not store well, but those that ripen in late
autumn may be stored for as long as a year. The largest producers of apples are
the U.S., China, France, Italy, and Turkey. Eaten fresh or cooked in various
ways, apples provide vitamins A and C, carbohydrates, and fibre.
Source: Britannica encyclopedia
