Shaanxi Apples

Shaanxi Apples

Shaanxi apples are a protected geographical indication product.

　　An apple is the fruit of plants in the genus Malus, which belongs to the family Rosaceae. There are about 25 species in this genus, and the apple tree is the most widely cultivated fruit tree. Apples are a type of pome, developed from the ovary and surrounding tissue. Apple trees are mostly cross-pollinated, and an ideal fruit set rate is about 2–4% of the flowers. Although mature apples vary greatly in size, shape, color, and acidity depending on the variety and environmental conditions, they are usually round, with a diameter of 50–100 millimeters (2–4 inches), and come in red or yellow hues.

There are thousands of apple varieties, classified into three main categories: cider varieties, cooking varieties, and dessert varieties. The three types differ in color, size, aroma, smoothness (and possibly also crispness and flavor). Many varieties are high in sugar, moderately acidic, and very low in tannins. In addition to being eaten fresh, apples can be cooked in many ways and are often used as pie fillings — apple pie may be the earliest American-style sweet dessert. Fried apples are commonly served with dishes such as sausages and pork chops, especially in Europe.