Apples
There are over 5,000 apple varieties in the world. China, United States, and Iran are the three top apple growing countries; Canada is also one of the top apple growing countries in the world. There are about 50 varieties of apples that are locally grown in Canada, such as, Spartan, Red Delicious, Mcintosh, Ambrosia, Golden Delicious, Golden Russett, Paula Red, Fuji, etc. Each variety has its own taste, texture and appearance. In British Columbia, apples are available year around because they are stored in Controlled Atmosphere (CA) rooms after they are picked from the trees. This process helps to control the breakdown and ripening of fruit.
Nutritional Facts
“An Apple a day keeps the doctor away”
Apples are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium; and are a rich source of antioxidant compounds, dietary fiber and Vitamin C. Therefore, apples may help to reduce risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, colon cancer, and lung cancer.
Reference
Unite States International Trade Commission. (February, 2010). Apples – Industry And Trade Summary. Retrived from http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/ITS_4.pdf
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. (2008, May 27). Agri-Food Trade Service – Canadian Apple Industry. Retrived from http://www.ats-sea.agr.gc.ca/can/4480000-eng.htm.
