The origin of the apple tree, scientific name Malus domestica, is made up a complex web of genetic alignment, historical legacy, and the millennia of cultivation, crossbreeding and natural selection. Controversy has surrounded the age-old questions of where the first apple tree came from and what species of apple is the ancestor of today’s domesticated varieties.
To date, the closest cousin to the modern apple tree is believed to be the wild Eurasian progenitor Malus sieversii, native to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This wild specimen, along with other wild varieties, were the main contributors to the domestication of the apple tree, which likely began at least 4,000 years ago in Central Asia. Prior to the modern apple, many other varieties of Malus fruit species had been crossing and combining with each other in the wild, creating a wide and diverse range of apple species.
From these ancestors, a process of selective breeding and cultivation began, with the goal of creating superior varieties that produced larger and better-tasting fruit. Thanks to the hard work of early farmers, the apple tree was eventually used not only as a source of food but also as a weapon against famine and poverty. Its versatility and hardiness meant that it could be planted in many different environments and thrive without significant assistance.
By the 16th century, apple varieties had spread to Europe and North America, where new cultivars were developed and further improved upon. Until the 18th century, most apple varieties were grown from seedlings, which meant that early farmers had to be patient and wait to see which apple trees would bear fruit. Although some early farmers were able to carefully select varieties that were most suitable for cultivation, many others accepted whatever tree happened to sprout from the ground, usually resulting in a mix of desirable and mediocre apple varieties.
The 19th century saw the advent of grafting and budding, two propagation methods that allowed for the easy propagation and cloning of desirable apple varieties. These methods revolutionized the apple industry and enabled farmers to quickly propagate apple trees that had desirable properties. It was only at this point that a consistent and reproducible quality of apples could be expected, rather than the unpredictable mix of varieties that had been made available until that time.
Apple cultivation has a rich and storied history, includes many twists and turns, and has facilitated fascinating developments in science, agriculture, and gastronomy. Today, apples are grown in many different climate zones, each yielding a unique blend of characteristics, flavors, aromas, and textures. Consumers have an immense variety of options to choose from, often without knowing the origin or genetic makeup of the apples that make it to their local produce aisle.
The Cultivation Of Apples
Today, apple trees are cultivated in many different ways, depending on what type of environment the tree is growing in. In cooler climates, some farmers choose to use a cold-weather technique called “chilling”. This process involves exposing apple tree saplings to temperatures below 0°C for a certain period of time. This allows for the development of larger and sweeter fruits, and is particularly beneficial for cold-resistant varieties such as Red Delicious and Golden Delicious.
In warmer climates, some farmers prefer to use a “heat shock” technique known as “scaffolding”. This involves exposing apple trees to brief periods of high heat, usually just before the beginning of harvest. This causes the tree to produce less sugar and a higher acidity in the fruit. This heat shock technique is especially beneficial for tart apples such as Granny Smith and Braeburn.
Over the centuries, apple cultivation has also been used to control pest insects. By alternating the planting of apple trees with other non-host crops and using other chemicals, farmers can reduce the population of certain, harmful bugs that can cause diseases in apple trees. This careful and consistent pest control is essential for long-term successful cultivation.
In addition to these cultivation techniques, farmers also take steps to ensure the fertility and nutrition of the soil in which their apple trees are planted. Soil needs to be rich in organic matter and nitrogen, and should be tilled or amended in some manner to ensure good drainage and aeration. Compost and other fertilizer can also be added to enhance the health of the soil.
Apple Cultivars
Farmers and apple cultivation experts have developed and continue to develop a wide range of apple cultivars, suited to a variety of different climates, soil types and tastes. There are multi-use apples, suitable for eating fresh and also for cooking and baking; there are eating apples, which have a sweet, tart or full-bodied flavor; and there are dessert apples, which have a soft, sugary texture.
In recent years, the development of hybrid cultivars such as Pink Lady and Empire has also become popular, thanks to their exceptional flavor and texture. These hybrids combine the sweetness of dessert apples with the tartness of eating apples, creating a distinctive and flavorful fruit.
The development of cold-resistant cultivars such as Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp has also allowed farmers in cooler climates to enjoy locally grown apples. These varieties have become increasingly popular with consumers, and have enabled farmers to increase their yields in cold-weather areas.
Alongside the development of standard commercial cultivars, there has also been a rise in the popularity of heirloom apples. These apples are selective clones of particularly old varieties, and have been developed and improved over many generations of careful cultivation. These old varieties, some of which may have existed centuries ago, can provide unique fruits with unique characteristics and flavors, allowing them to stand out from the crowd.
Apple Orchards
Thanks to the hard work of apple farmers, there are now hundreds of apple orchards all over the world, ranging from small family orchards to commercial plantations. Apple orchards provide shade and shelter for the trees, and help protect the apples from the elements and from animals. They are usually planted in rows, allowing for easy access to the trees for harvesting and maintenance.
Some farmers choose to use large galvanized panels to support the growth of their apple trees, especially in regions where high winds can cause the tree branches to break. Other farmers prefer to use wooden posts, which can be arranged in a variety of configurations to add an attractive aesthetic to the orchard.
Apple orchards often contain a mix of different apple cultivars, as different varieties may thrive in different soil types and climates. This also allows farmers to choose which apples they will produce and which types of apples they will make available to consumers.
Harvesting Apples
Harvesting apples is a delicate process, as the apples must be carefully and gently plucked from the tree without causing damage. Apple farmers will usually start the harvest in the early morning, when the fruit is firm and the temperatures are cool.
Harvesting is usually done by hand, as machines can cause too much damage to the fruit. Farm hands must be careful to avoid damaging the fruits, as well as their fellow apple pickers. After the apples have been plucked, they are taken to the farmers’ market for sale or placed in storage for later use.
Once the apples are ready for market, they must be carefully sorted and graded according to size and quality. Grading apples is of utmost importance, as it determines the price they will fetch at market. The best quality apples will fetch the highest price, while lower quality apples will be used for cooking or pressed into juice and cider.
The Future Of Apple Cultivation
As the demand for apples continues to rise, and with new varieties being introduced all the time, the future of apple cultivation looks bright. Apples have become a valuable source of nutrition, and the versatility and ease of cultivation means that they can be grown in almost any climate and environment.
To ensure sustainable cultivation and protect future generations, farmers are placing a greater emphasis on sustainable growing methods. This includes the use of organic fertilizer, integrated pest management, crop rotation, and careful selection of heirloom and local varieties of apples.
The introduction of new and improved technologies has also played a role in improving yields, and has enabled farmers to track growth and yield data in real-time. This data provides valuable insight into the health and development of their trees, and can be used to make further improvements to their apple-growing practices.
Finally, researchers and apple fanatics alike are being drawn by the lure of discovering rare and forgotten apple varieties. As new varieties are discovered, scientists and farmers will continue to explore the apple’s amazing genetic diversity, and the potential for new and exciting flavors and characteristics awaits us.
