Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe, and were brought to North America by European colonists. Apples have religious and mythological significance in many cultures, including Norse, Greek and European Christian traditions. Apple trees are large if grown from seed, but small if grafted onto roots (rootstock). There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples, resulting in a range of desired characteristics. Different cultivars are bred for various tastes and uses, including cooking, eating raw and cider production.
Apples are generally propagated by grafting, although wild apples grow readily from seed. Trees and fruit are prone to a number of fungal, bacterial and pest problems, which can be controlled by a number of organic and non-organic means. In 2010, the fruit's genome was decoded as part of research on disease control and selective breeding in apple production. About 80 million tons of apples were grown worldwide in 2013, and China produced almost half of this total.
The United States is the second-leading producer, with more than 6% of world production. Turkey is third, followed by Italy, India and Poland. Apples are often eaten raw, but can also be found in many prepared foods (especially desserts) and drinks. Many beneficial health effects are thought to result from eating apples; however, two types of allergies are attributed to various proteins found in the fruit.
This apple tree is found in an outer suburban Sunday Trash-n-Treasure market. It is perhaps a remnant from an orchard or an old garden. It still manages to put on quite a show in Spring and the delicious aroma of the flowers is quite breathtaking.
This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.
I think apple blossom in all its many forms and varieties are my favourite Spring blossoms. Love your images.
ReplyDeleteOh, we have now Fall... And you show us the Springtime with this beautiful appleblossoms.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Heidrun