The fruit of discord and temptation: the apple returns to our homes

From the story of Adam and Eve in the Old Testament to the legend of William Tell, the apple has been present in some of the best-known stories in Western culture. It is also in the tale of Snow White and has even become a reference icon in the world of technology today. Also in New York, "the Big Apple" and the Judgment of Paris, in which the apple of discord triggers the Trojan War. The expulsion from paradise, the symbol of temptation, the trigger of conflict. The apple has become a fruit loaded with symbolism and cultural references. A fruit that was already being cultivated more than 15,000 years ago and is currently known and consumed all over the world.

Summer is ending, nature is starting a new cycle and we must prepare ourselves for winter. With the arrival of autumn, summer fruits like peaches and watermelon disappear, and apples regain prominence thanks to their versatility and the multiple varieties they offer us. When the cold begins, the body needs foods that strengthen the immune system. For this reason, autumn fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins C and A, as well as in magnesium, calcium, zinc, and copper.

Catalonia and the apple

The apple is native to the Tian Shan area, a mountainous region of Kazakhstan. It began to be introduced to Europe thanks to the Silk Road. Catalonia has been a great producer of apples, especially in the Girona area and the Lleida Plain. In recent years, there has been a commitment to mountain apples, which are grown at a certain altitude and in cooler temperatures. At the same time, efforts are also being made to recover other traditional varieties.

Apple cultivation is mainly developed on irrigated land. This fruit has the characteristic that it adapts well to different climates, but it prefers cool climates and altitude, with mild summers. The tree does not usually grow to more than 10 meters and has a lifespan of between 60 and 80 years.

In recent years, apple production in Spain has decreased drastically. A mismatch between supply and demand has occurred, making the territory more dependent on imports and more vulnerable to the management of fruit surpluses.

When is the harvest season?

The apple harvest season is from July to August for the earlier varieties and from September to October for the rest of the varieties.

Purchase and storage

Each variety has its own properties, flavors, and textures. Although we can find apples throughout the year, the best season goes from September to March, when they are freshest and maintain their properties and flavor best. It is recommended to store them separately from other fruits, such as bananas, since they release ethylene, a natural gas that accelerates ripening.

Consumption recommendations

When going shopping, it is important to always choose those that still have their stem, because this helps prevent the ripening process from accelerating. On the other hand, apples can be stored at room temperature, but it is recommended to keep them in the fridge at about 4°C. It is also recommended not to peel the apple until it is going to be eaten: the skin protects it from degradation due to oxidation.