Granny Smith Apple

Tree of the 
​Week Theme: HARVEST!

      We are all certainly familiar with the Granny Smith Apple (Malus domestica ‘Granny Smith’), it’s one of my personal favorites. This tart and tasty variety was first grown in Eastwood, Australia, a suburb of Sydney, in 1868. Apples are members of the rose family (Rosaceae). It got its interesting name after the first grower of the apples, Maria Ann “Granny” Smith, who had migrated from Sussex, England to New South Wales, Australia. Maria Smith discovered Granny Smith apples growing near a creek on her farm after she had removed some French crab apples, that originated in Tasmania, from the spot. Granny Smiths are believed to be a hybrid of these French crab apples.

      You may not know that when you take the seeds of an apple from a tree like the granny smith those seeds don't produce a tree that has the same kind of fruit as its mother tree. The reason for this is the same as the reason children aren’t clones of their parents; they’re a combination of both parents DNA. By sheer luck the Granny Smith grew from the seeds of the French Crab apple and whatever partner happened to pollinate it. And in the same way the seeds of Granny Smiths will produce a different type of apple from their mother, thus all Granny Smiths grown today are grown from cuttings of other Granny Smith apple trees all starting with the original tree on Maria Ann Smith’s farm
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      The New South Wales Government started growing these apples in 1895, and began promoting them as a good export apple due to their ability to be stored for long periods. Granny Smiths were a major Australian export after World War 1, eventually becoming one of the most popular apples grown in Australia, and are now grown  around the world including New Zealand, Europe, South America and the United States.

      The Granny Smith Apple tree reach a height and spread of about 15 to 25 feet. The crown shape is round and the leaves are pointy and dark green in color.The USDA categorizes this tree's hardiness zone as 6-8. They can be found in worcester, I actually have one in my backyard!  The Granny Smith Apple tree tends to be a strong-limbed, able to manage limbs laden with its delicious fruit without the need for additional supports. It can be long-lived under optimal conditions and is quite heat tolerant.  Even the apples are durable, lasting up to six months with refrigeration.

      The Granny Smith Apple trees bear fruit without a pollinator partner. However, for higher rates of fruit production, plant another variety for cross-pollination. It is important to select a pollinator that blooms at the same time as the Granny Smith. Fuji, Gala and Jonathan are good examples of pollinators for this tree.

      Fun fact! Granny Smith apples can help brighten your teeth. Even though they are not a substitute for toothpaste, the acid in apples actually helps clean and brighten teeth. The crunchy inside also acts like a mini toothbrush that can scrub away stains.

      Granny Smith apples go from being completely green to turning yellow when overripe and are available year round. They are well known as one of the best apple varieties for both cooking (as they do not change their natural shape once cooked due to their high acid content) and snacking right off the tree. Granny Smith apple’s high acid content means that they won’t go brown as quickly once cut, so they’re especially valued for fruit trays and salads. Granny Smith apples are also high in vitamins and antioxidants, but not calories!

FUN APPLE JACK TREATS!
There are so many ways you can add granny smith apples into your meals. Luckily I found a recipe combining two of my favorite things; granny smith apples and apple jacks!
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INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 package marshmallows (10 oz.)
• 6 cups of Apple Jacks
• 1 granny smith apple, diced

DIRECTIONS:

1. Melt butter in a large pan over low heat, then add in the marshmallows, stirring until completely melted. Turn off the burner and remove the pan from the heat.
2. Add in the Apple Jacks and diced apples, stirring until all are coated.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch by 9-inch pan covered in wax or parchment paper, using a spatula or spoon to press them down evenly. Place in the freezer for 20-25 minutes to set.
4. Remove the treats from the pan and use a knife to cut into squares.