Apple: The Fruit That Shaped Civilizations

An apple is the edible fruit of the apple tree (Malus domestica), one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world. Originating in Central Asia, apples have been grown for thousands of years and come in over 7,500 varieties used for eating fresh, cooking, and cider production. Beyond nutrition, apples hold deep cultural and mythological significance across many societies.

Sources

[1] USDA Plants Database
[2] Royal Horticultural Society
[3] Food and Agriculture Organization
[4] National Center for Biotechnology Information
[5] University of Illinois Extension