FoodFood InformationFruitDeciduousApples
This is a green-skinned variety that originated in Australia. It is the
number 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 summer
months. They were brought in via boat to take up the slack until our native
apples came back in season. When they first became available here, Americans
resisted Grannies because of their green skin color. They were mistaken
for Rhode Island Greenings, which are similar in color and used only as
cooking apples. After a slow start, the Grannies, with their tart-sweet
flavor and very crunchy texture, caught on and sold at premium prices. American
growers, observing the success of the imports, got into the act. America
now produce Granny Smiths in many areas, however the ones grown on the West
Coast are superior to those grown in the East. CA storage combined with
dual hemisphere production give us fine Granny Smiths twelve months of the
year. Each year the Granny Smiths capture a larger slice of the market and,
in the opinion of many in the produce industry, will eventually surpass
the Red Delicious as America's favorite and best-selling apple.
Deamer 5/97