Winter apple – Granny Smith – Malus

Winter Apple – Granny Smith (Malus) :

1. **Appearance and Characteristics**:
- The Granny Smith apple produces medium to large-sized, round fruits with a vibrant green, smooth, and shiny skin.
- The tree has a vigorous growth habit, forming a wide crown that helps to ensure good ventilation and light exposure for the fruits.

2. **Fruit**:
- The flesh of the fruit is crisp, juicy, and tart, with a rich flavor, making it popular among fresh consumers and processors.
- When ripe, the fruit is bright green, and the flesh is white, providing a very refreshing taste experience.

3. **Breeding and Care**:
- The Granny Smith apple requires a sunny, well-ventilated location and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil for optimal growth.
- It needs regular pruning to maintain the shape of the tree and maximize fruit yield.

4. **Diseases and Pests**:
- The variety can be affected by powdery mildew, fruit rot, as well as aphids and other pests.
- The Granny Smith variety generally has good resistance properties, but regular monitoring and adherence to preventive measures are important.

5. **Harvesting**:
- The Granny Smith apple is typically harvested in late September and early October when the fruits are bright green and the flesh is juicy.

6. **Use**:
- The fruit can be consumed fresh, but it is also excellent for processing, such as for juices, apple pies, and other food products.

7. **Economic Significance**:
- The Granny Smith apple is widely cultivated for commercial purposes due to its good market value and popularity among consumers, especially in the preparation of sweet dishes and salads.

**Summary**:
The Granny Smith winter apple is an excellent choice for fruit growers who wish to produce delicious, tart, and attractive fruits. The variety's disease resistance and proper care allow for high yields, which are also economically beneficial.