Apples in August - Granny Smith

This week I wove a portrait of the stunning green apple: Granny Smith.

According to Specialty Produce, Granny Smith apples are "a member of the rose family (Rosaceae), and are believed to be a relative of the French crab apple. Most apples are green when immature and then when ripe take on shades of red, pink and yellow. Granny Smith apples, however maintain their green hue both when immature and ripe."

"Granny Smith apples were discovered in Australia in the 1860’s, as a chance seedling in the compost pile on the orchard of Maria Ann Smith. Granny Smith apples were first introduced commercially to the United Kingdom in the 1930’s and later to the United States in the 1970’s. They were one of the first varieties of apple widely available in supermarkets as their thick skin and excellent storing qualities made them suitable for shipping. Today Granny Smith apples grow in Australia, Europe, New Zealand, South America and the United States. They tend to ripen best in warmer climates where they get a significant amount of sunshine."

Julie Green
August 12, 2017