Apples are edible fruit produced by the apple tree (Malus domestica), part of the rose family. Apple trees are cultivated worldwide and are the most widely grown species in the genus Malus. The tree originated in Central Asia, where it’s wild ancestor, Malus sieversii is still found today. Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe and were brought to North America by European Colonists.
There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples. Different cultivars are bred for various tastes and uses including cooking, eating raw and cider production. Trees and fruit are pront to a number of fungal, bacterial and pest problems, which can be controlled by a number of organic and non-organic means.
