FoodFood InformationFruitDeciduousApples
This is a green-skinned variety that originated in Australia. It is thenumber one variety grown in the Southern Hemisphere; Australia, New Zealand,South Africa, Chile, and Argentina grow and export huge amounts of them.In recent years they have also been planted in the Northern Hemisphere,especially in the United States and France.
Not too long ago Granny Smiths were available only in the spring and summermonths. They were brought in via boat to take up the slack until our nativeapples came back in season. When they first became available here, Americansresisted Grannies because of their green skin color. They were mistakenfor Rhode Island Greenings, which are similar in color and used only ascooking apples. After a slow start, the Grannies, with their tart-sweetflavor and very crunchy texture, caught on and sold at premium prices. Americangrowers, observing the success of the imports, got into the act. Americanow produce Granny Smiths in many areas, however the ones grown on the WestCoast are superior to those grown in the East. CA storage combined withdual hemisphere production give us fine Granny Smiths twelve months of theyear. Each year the Granny Smiths capture a larger slice of the market and,in the opinion of many in the produce industry, will eventually surpassthe Red Delicious as America's favorite and best-selling apple.
Deamer 5/97