In retail chains, especially in large supermarkets, all year round large, green apples on sale. These fruits are produced by the Granny Smith apple tree variety.

Why grow green apples? After all, their fruits against the background of green foliage do not look as impressive as yellow or red ones. Where did the Granny Smith apple tree variety come from?

Let's find out what its benefits and uniqueness are. Perhaps this is what your garden is missing.

A distinctive feature of the variety is the apples - a very rich green color, recognizable at first sight. Sometimes subcutaneous inclusions appear - brownish or brownish-red.

The fruits are covered with a dense peel that is resistant to injury and damage. The pulp of the fruit is also quite dense, but at the same time juicy and tender when bitten.

Being a natural semi-dwarf, apple trees of this variety are of medium height, growing quickly in the first years and slowing down after they begin to bear fruit.

Variety Granny Smith belongs to the winter group. The fruits ripen by the end of September and are suitable for long-term storage.

An old variety, widespread almost all over the world. and is cultivated in all climatic latitudes where it can be grown. It is moderately demanding, although the productivity and quality of the fruit largely depends on growing conditions and weather conditions.

Granny Smith apple tree.

additional characteristics

Granny Smith grows up to 3.5 meters.

Productivity and frequency of fruiting

Under favorable conditions characterized by frequency of fruiting and high yield, although it is classified as moderately productive. Trees on a semi-dwarf rootstock reach peak yield in the fifth year - 15-20 kg per apple tree. Such apple trees bear fruit for eight to ten years.

The Granny Smith apple tree produces up to 20 kg of fruit from one tree.

Tasting assessment

Apples have a sweet and sour taste, the sweetness of which intensifies during storage. The fruit has juicy pulp, a pleasant aroma and is highly rated for taste. The variety is considered the best among green apples in terms of the composition of minerals, vitamins and nutrients contained in the fruit.

Fruits of the Granny Smith apple tree.

Eating apples in moderation helps strengthen the immune system, improve the functioning of the digestive tract and reduce the risk of heart disease and colds.

Watch a video of what Granny Smith apples look like:

Winter hardiness

Granny Smith apple tree do not react well to long periods of low temperatures and have average level winter hardiness. The ideal climate for it is a moderate, mild climate with long summers and short winters.

Disease resistance

It has average resistance to, and, more often It is also affected by powdery mold.

The Granny Smith apple tree variety can be affected by rust.

Watch a video with methods of fighting rust:

Reviews

Svetlana.“I personally am always on a diet. That’s why the variety has a special place in my garden. There are no special problems with leaving. The harvest is good, the apples are tasty and last a very long time. I recommend."

Alexander.“At first, the sight of apples disappointed me. Since autumn they have been a dull green color. But during storage they proved to be excellent. And the color became more cheerful, and the taste improved. And it’s no more difficult to grow than any other apple tree.”

Olga.“Granny Smith planted her first apple tree in the shade behind the bathhouse. The result was not impressive - the apples did not ripen, and the taste was not very good. I placed another apple tree in the sun. It bears fruit well, and the apples ripen large and juicy.”

Features of planting and care

Landing

Deadlines

Saplings of both and. The most is the plant is in the dormant stage and there is no frost.

Before development begins, the plant must have time to adapt to the soil and establish a root system in it.

For the middle band it is:

  • End of March - beginning of April;
  • End of September - beginning of October.

Watch the video on how to plant an apple tree correctly:

Technology

The correct one is the key to successful survival and subsequent successful fruiting.

The holes for planting are prepared in advance so that the fertile mixture added to them (humus, rotted manure, mineral fertilizers) is well compacted. The root system in the hole is placed freely, without bending. The root collar is left above the ground surface. The seedling is tied to a support and watered abundantly with water.

Planting an apple tree.

Growing and agricultural technology

Basic agricultural practices:

  • . It is important to keep the soil moist, especially in the first year after planting. Watering is effective in dry years at any age;

Watering the apple tree.

Attention! Do not water during fruit ripening. This may cause the peel to crack.

  • in early spring with copper-containing preparations. If signs are present, use Fundozol, Bayleton, Bordeaux mixture and other drugs in accordance with the instructions;

Treating apple trees against diseases.

Feeding apple trees with humus.

  • Loosening, mulching the soil and removing weeds.

Mulching the tree trunk circle.

Pruning and crown formation

The tree grows intensively, especially in the first years, and constant to prevent it from thickening.

Crown formation start from the second year:

  • The main skeletal branches are left at a height of at least 50 cm above each other;
  • Remove shoots directed inside the crown and intersecting with other branches;
  • Damaged branches and those showing signs of disease are also removed.

Watch the video how to do it correctly:

Pollinator varieties

The Grani Smith apple tree variety is an excellent pollinator for others. late varieties apple trees with coinciding flowering dates and is partially infertile. Due to this Very successful is the proximity with such varieties as:

  • Pink Lady;
  • Eliza.

Pink Lady.

Features of ripening and fruiting

Beginning of fruiting

In trees on a low-growing rootstock, fruits appear in the 2nd - 3rd year of life, but these will be single fruits. At 4-5 years, full fruiting begins.

The first fruits on the apple tree appear in 2-3 years.

Deadlines

Blooms

The variety is winter and blooms late, coinciding with the flowering of other late varieties. Flowering is friendly, abundant, of medium duration. Large, white, saucer-shaped flowers are collected in inflorescences.

Blooming Granny Smith apple tree.

Maturation

Removable ripeness of fruits is at the end of September, and in some regions - at the beginning of October.

Fruit ripeness occurs at the end of September.

Fruit storage

Apples stored until new harvest. To do this, it is necessary to remove them correctly, avoiding damage to the peel, wax deposits and squeezing. It is as if the fruits are unscrewed from the branch, carefully examined, and fruits with even minimal signs of disease are removed.

Granny Smith apples can be stored until the next harvest.

Important! Immediately after picking, apples are stored in dry rooms (cellars, basements or specialized storage facilities) at a temperature of 0 to +2 degrees. If space allows, it is better to lay out the apples in one layer.

Regionalization in Russia

Granny Smith apple tree grows and bears fruit safely in various regions:

  • Central;
  • Central Black Earth;
  • Volgo-Vyatka;
  • in the south of Russia.

Granny Smith grows well in many regions of Russia.

In unfavorable years with no sufficient quantity On warm days, apples have difficulty ripening by the end of autumn and their taste may not reach the best levels.

Growing in the Moscow region

Average level of winter hardiness allows you to grow the variety in the Moscow region. The apples have time to ripen and accumulate a sufficient amount of minerals.

Conclusion

A wonderful variety of Granny Smith apple tree will become a worthy decoration for any garden.

According to their quality characteristics, green apples are considered one of the best in the world. dietary nutrition, as well as in the production of confectionery products.

Growing the variety is accessible even to beginners, and the results will delight you until the next harvest.


In contact with

Of course, adherents healthy image We've heard a lot about all sorts of apples in our lives. Both in the store and at the market, the eyes run wide from the variety of multi-colored fruits. One of the leading places among juicy fruits is the Granny Smith apple.

Features of the variety

Granny Smith apples are beautiful, neat apples with an attractive bright color. green color, regular round or slightly elongated shape. They are very juicy and have a sweet and sour taste. If the apple tree grew in a sunlit area, then this will leave an imprint on its fruit: reddish highlights will appear on the green peel.

The flesh of Granny apples is firm, crisp, and greenish-white in color. The average fruit weight is about 300 grams. A feature of the variety is its resistance to oxidation, that is, the pulp on a cut apple can remain light for a long time. The peel of this variety is dense and resistant to mechanical stress. Surprisingly, Granny Smith apples have virtually no odor.

Giving a description of this popular variety, it should be noted that Granny Smith apple trees are harvested in the fall, closer to October. Due to the fact that apples are stored for a long time and become even sweeter over time, it is best to eat them in November. You can also treat yourself to wonderful fruits in winter.

You can supplement the description of the famous juicy apples by mentioning the unusual name of the variety. "Granny Smith" means "Granny Smith", which is a tribute to the Australian breeder who once received new variety by grafting a wild bird. Since then, such low-growing apple trees have grown all over the world.

Numerous customer reviews indicate the high appreciation of Granny apples. They are valued for their taste, juiciness, and aesthetically attractive appearance. Often these apples are used in cooking not only for making pies, but also for decorating dishes.

Benefit

Green apples are extremely beneficial for health and are highly valued by nutritionists. The calorie content of the Granny Smith variety is low. It is about 48 kcal per 100 g of product. In addition, approximately 83% of the fruit pulp consists of water. Therefore, those who care about their figure should not neglect apples. Due to their low fat content, fruits are indicated for weight loss, consumed on “fasting” days in any quantity. Apples are irreplaceable for constipation. Eating them regularly will help cope with this delicate problem, because, as you know, fiber is the “best friend” of digestion. Pregnant women should also pay attention to this variety of apples. These fruits contain folic acid necessary for normal fetal development. Also, the pulp of Granny apples is rich in iron, which will definitely benefit the baby in the womb and the mother herself. It is worth paying attention to this fact for those who suffer from anemia.

Elderly people with heart problems should include green apples in their diet, because they contain potassium, which maintains muscle tone, and vitamin A, which has a positive effect on the functioning of blood vessels. The fruit helps cleanse the blood. By diversifying your diet with juicy apples, you can also remove waste and toxins from the body.

During the cold season, this fruit will help strengthen the body, because Granny apples are rich in ascorbic acid, which can support the immune system. In addition, eating apples several times a week will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, help overcome eczema, and improve the quality of the hair, filling it with strength. It is also important that those who like to crunch apples improve their mood and general psychological state.

Harm and contraindications

Considering all of the above, it is difficult to believe that such a wonderful fruit could have contraindications. However, they still exist. Granny Smith apples can harm people with stomach ulcers, gastritis, colitis if eaten in large quantities. It should be remembered that excessive consumption of fruit can negatively affect the condition of tooth enamel.

Eating more than 5 apple seeds per day is dangerous - poisoning can occur. People prone to food allergies should also pay attention to their condition after eating apples, because individual intolerance can manifest itself with unpleasant consequences.

From which country are they most often brought to Russia?

Surprisingly, Granny Smith apples are grown all over the world. The most suitable habitat in Russia for these apples are regions with a cool climate. This is explained by the fact that the heat reduces the yield, and the fruits do not absorb juice well. In excessively cold years, apples also ripen poorly, turn yellow, and change shape. The Central Chernozem and Volga-Vyatka regions are quite suitable for cultivating this fruit. The center and south of Russia are also suitable.

It would seem that choosing an apple is very simple.

However, there are some nuances here that are worth knowing about.

  • First of all, when choosing an apple, you need to pay attention to its appearance. The skin should be smooth, without wrinkles, cracks, or other damage. Granny should be strong and firm to the touch. Take a closer look - a good fruit has the right shape. Good apples are quite heavy in weight. The absence of odor is not a bad sign - this is the absolute norm for this variety.
  • The choice largely depends on the purpose: small-sized apples are more suitable for culinary delights, as they are harder, crispier, and a little more sour. Large fruits are suitable for fresh consumption.
  • In order not to make a mistake with the taste, you need to look at where the apples came from. If indicated on the box famous manufacturer, this is a guarantee that the cultivation and transportation of the fruit was carefully monitored, as well as the quality and timing of harvest. You can safely buy such apples.

Growing

Those who prefer to grow their own apples rather than buy them in a store should study the features of planting and propagating this variety. IN middle lane In Russia, whose climate is favorable for Granny Smith, the period for planting seedlings is from late March to early April or from late September to early October. Thus, the tree will be in a calm state until the heat begins (or, conversely, until frost if planted in the fall), will have time to strengthen its root system and adapt to the environment.

In order for the seedling to take root well, it is necessary to observe the right technology landings. You should prepare the planting hole by adding fertilizer and humus to it in advance. The fertile mixture should be compacted by the time the tree is planted.

Do not forget that the root system cannot be bent; it must be located freely in the hole. The root collar always remains above the soil surface. Then the seedling is strengthened by tying it to a support and provided with abundant watering.

In order for the apple tree to please the gardener with high productivity in the future, you need to follow simple agrotechnical techniques.

  • Watering. In the first year after planting, the tree should be watered frequently, maintaining the soil in wet. We should especially not forget about irrigation during dry periods. An adult fruit-bearing tree, on the contrary, is not watered too much during the ripening of the fruits to prevent cracking of the peel.
  • Prevention of diseases. Caring owner will not allow the crop to become infected by using chalk-containing agrotechnical preparations for prevention. However, if pests or diseases still overcome the tree, you need to use Fundizol or Bayleton.
  • Feeding. Rotted manure, mineral fertilizers, and compost are used as feed.
  • Caring for an apple tree includes mulching the soil, weeding, and loosening.
  • On winter period Apple trees need insulation. Young trunks are tied. The soil is mulched.

To propagate fruit trees, asexual grafting is used. Professional agronomists grow apple trees that are combined from two types of plant tissue: the rootstock and the shoot. The rootstock is Bottom part tree along with its root system. It also determines the final height of the tree. The shoot affects the upper part of the apple tree and, importantly, determines the quality of the fruit. Thus, to obtain apples with high taste and increase productivity, it is necessary to carefully select the rootstock and shoot.

Collection and storage

Its “keeping quality” and resistance to transportation depend on the correct harvesting. The skin of Granny apples is dense, but it is easy to damage. Damaged fruit will quickly rot. To avoid this, the apple should be smoothly rotated around its axis. The stalk is left if the fruit needs to be preserved for a long time. It is not recommended to use fruit pickers.

Suitable storage locations are a cellar, basement or any other dry place. The optimal temperature for storage is from 0°C to +2°C. Apples should be placed on shelves in one layer. You can dispense with the substrate; it is recommended to use cardboard partitions between the fruits.

It is worth considering that the storage should not have any foreign odors. The presence of other vegetables and pickles in the cellar or basement is undesirable.

You can learn more about Granny Smith apples from the video below.

Granny Smith is winter variety. The fruits ripen by the time of the first cool weather - in September or early October.

Deviation from the norm is possible in cool climates.

If warm weather in the growing region does not last long; the fruits may ripen by winter and at the same time lose their characteristics.

The variety is precocious, it bears fruit regularly, is particularly stable, frost resistance.

Apple trees of this type bear fruit from eight to ten years.

The peak occurs in the fifth to seventh years of plant growth.

Among the winter varieties of apple trees, , and , are also famous.

Description of the Granny Smith variety

Let us consider separately the appearance of the apple tree and the fruit itself.

Typically a Granny Smith apple tree. medium height and is natural semi-dwarf. It has spreading crown.

Apples grow large – up to 300 grams each. They have a rich green color, thick skin, round or slightly oval shape - this can be seen in the photo.

At proper care the fruits are firmly attached to the tree.

Sometimes the green surface of apples includes brownish-red inclusions - they appear on the side facing the sun.

The apple pulp is light, juicy, and has a sweet and sour taste.

What are the benefits and how many calories are in a green Granny Smith apple?

These apples have a low sugar content and a high vitamin content.

Since these apples have low calorie content - 47.5 calories, you can enjoy them without any worries about your slim figure. Also considered hypoallergenic.

The following varieties demonstrate excellent taste and increased benefits of fruits:, and.

History of selection

Granny Smith apples, or the well-known Granny Smith apples, originated in New South Wales. in Australia, in 1868.

They are a product of selection wild French apple tree with Australian one.

Brought out a new variety amateur breeder, elderly Australian woman Anna Maria Smith.

The result of her work quickly won popularity all over the world.

Productivity

The Granny Smith variety belongs to moderately productive.

For the growth and full development of fruits 240 days of heat are required.

Granny Smith apple trees are coming into fruiting in the second or third year after planting in the garden in the autumn.

In the fifth year of growth from one tree you can harvest up to 15 kilograms of crop.

It should be noted that Granny Smith is excellent pollinator for all other varieties.

In order for the yield to be higher, this variety should be planted next to only the same winter types of apple trees: , Elise, Ligol, Pink Lady.

If you are looking for apple trees with high yields, pay attention to, and.

Region of natural growth

Where are these apples grown? Today Granny Smith grown by gardeners from all countries.

Variety in a certain sense capricious: the shape, size and other characteristics of the fruit and the tree itself depend on the conditions of detention.

"Grenny Smith" Can't stand heat. Due to the increased dose sunlight the fruits dry out.

Also variety Doesn't like extreme cold either: from low temperatures apples turn yellow and change shape.

The ideal climate for cultivation is considered to be mild, temperate, with short winters and a long growing season.

Planting and care

When landing any fruit tree It is necessary to take into account such factors as the right time and place.

This is a guarantee that your apple tree will bear fruit well and delight you with its fruits.

Seedlings - usually two years old - apple trees of this popular variety can be plant in spring and autumn when there is no frost.

A month before planting, it is necessary to prepare holes for seedlings - the soil must settle. The holes are needed with a depth of about 60 centimeters and a diameter of at least one meter.

The soil that will be removed from the hole should be mixed with any fertilizers of organic origin.

Before planting, the holes need to be moistened with water.

You should not plant trees next to raspberries, but on the contrary, it is recommended to plant them with other winter varieties of apple trees.

After planting, sprinkle with a sufficient amount of soil and water well so that the soil fits tightly to the roots of the young trees.

Before the onset of frost the trunks need to be insulated, and the soil next to the tree cover with a layer of manure.

Watch a video about how and when to plant a tree correctly.

Apple trees requires annual pruning.

Pruning the crown will ensure early fruiting of the tree and its longevity.

Pruning can be done from the second year of the tree's life early spring, until the buds swell.

Abundant summer watering- three to four liters per tree - should be carried out in the first years of life and growth of the plant.

When the fruits ripen, watering should be reduced, otherwise they will crack.

Diseases and pests

An undeniable advantage of the Granny Smith variety is resistance to many “apple” diseases and pests. So, this variety does not suffer scab and powdery mildew.

Cons - exposure scabs and rust, powdery mold.

They can be dealt with using fungicides: Benlaton, Fundazol, Bayleton, Bordeaux mixture and other broad-spectrum drugs.

Other diseases and pests affect the apple tree extremely rarely, which makes it an excellent choice for growing in the garden. However, it doesn’t hurt to take care of the prevention of such ones as, and.

Granny Smith apples are great for growing in regions with a long growing season.

They are full of vitamins and, due to their large size, are suitable for use in cooking.

Also Granny Smith fruits are stored for a long time and they only get better from it.

Trees of this variety are often used as hedges in gardens and summer cottages.

Good yield, excellent taste of fruits and beautiful appearance of the trees make this variety a leader among others.

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Granny Smith apples have gained great popularity since the appearance of this variety. All over the world it is considered one of the healthiest due to the high content of various vitamins and microelements in the pulp.

Description of the variety

This autumn-winter variety was bred in 1868 in Australia by crossing a domestic apple tree with a wild one imported from France. Several decades later, many gardeners learned about it. European countries. To this day, the Granny Smith festival is held every year in the homeland of the variety in Australia.

The apples are large, round in shape, have a very beautiful light green color and weigh about 300 g. The dense pulp is very juicy and sour in taste, because it contains very little sugar.

The sunny side of the apple may have a yellow or even reddish color. The fruits ripen in mid-September, but they are best consumed a month after harvest. They keep well until spring.

Granny Smith is widely used during fasting days. They cleanse the body well and prevent the deposition of fat cells. Regular consumption of apples of this variety will help cleanse the blood, reduce cholesterol levels, and have a beneficial effect on nervous system. The benefits of these apples are especially great for children, the elderly and weakened people; patients suffering from vascular and skin diseases. People engaged in mental activity are recommended to eat at least 3 apples a day.

Granny Smith in cooking

This variety of apples is the most popular in cooking compared to all others. The neutral taste of these fruits and lack of aroma allows you to add them to any dish - sweet, salty, salads and side dishes. Culinary experts are attracted not only by the taste of these apples, but also by their ability to not darken after cutting.

Having appeared in America, these apples immediately found their use as pie filling. Of course, this dish has been known for a very long time. But it was after the appearance of this variety Apple pie began to be considered the national pride of America.

Granny Smith apples are widely used for desserts - jam, preserves, compote, etc. And the fermented juice is used to make alcoholic beverages.

Today, many are grown different varieties apples Each of these fruits has its own beneficial features, calories. Granny Smith is a variety of apple that is in demand all over the world. The apple tree is persistent and unpretentious to grow. Its fruits are used in preparing delicious desserts.

Description

Granny Smith apples have an interesting name - it translates as “Granny Smith”. They were first grown in Australia. The name is associated with the legend about the appearance of this variety. The selection was carried out elderly woman Anna Smith, who obtained such fruits by combining French wild apples with Australian apples. Now the variety is popular all over the world.

Large fruits can weigh up to 300 g. There are different shapes Granny Smith fruit. Apples can be round or oval. Their color is usually green with a yellow tint. In a sunny place, a red blush may appear. Inside there is juicy green pulp. The fruits have a sweet and sour taste. Features include the lack of aroma.

Growing conditions

Apples are suited to a temperate climate with a long growing season and warm winters. The quality of fruits is affected by weather conditions. During the dry period, it is difficult to squeeze 6 liters of juice out of 2 bags of fruit, but in favorable times you get 1 glass from 1 fruit.

Cool weather is unacceptable for the variety. If the heat is not enough, the fruit will not look very attractive. When everything is appropriate for their cultivation, the color of the fruit is rich green.

Features of the variety

Granny Smith apples are a winter variety because they ripen in the fall, late September to early October. Sometimes this happens earlier or later, it all depends on the climate. If warm weather is rare, then the crop ripens by winter, and the taste and benefits are not quite what they need.

The tree bears fruit regularly and abundantly. The harvest can be harvested over 8-10 years, and the richest can be obtained in 5-8 years. The trees are medium in size, grow quickly, their height is about 3.5 meters. The variety is grown all over the world, but it is demanding on conditions. Fruits are adversely affected by weather changes. Natural conditions determine the appearance of fruits, shape, size, taste. The best environment would be warm winters and cool summers. Apples are resistant to frost, but do not tolerate heat. On sunny days the fruits dry out. And because of the cold, they lose their rich color.

Benefit

It is precisely because of its composition that the Granny Smith variety is useful. Apples contain 87% water and almost no fat. The fruit is rich in fiber, which is necessary for normal intestinal function and improved stomach function. Regular consumption of apples helps prevent constipation. And since the fruits contain a lot of iron, they are useful for anemia.

The fruit has low calorie content and low nutritional value, so you can consume them without harming your figure. Contains ascorbic acid necessary to improve the body's defenses. The variety is rich in folic acid and vitamin A. The potassium it contains has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.

Apples contain pectin, which removes toxins and heavy metals from the body. Therefore, during fasting days you should eat Granny Smith. Apples, when consumed regularly, improve the condition of hair, vision, nails and skin. The fruit normalizes the psychological state and also cleanses the blood. Fruits should be consumed for chronic eczema and skin diseases. They are also useful for rheumatism, gout and atherosclerosis.

Calorie content

Everyone can benefit from a Granny Smith apple. Its calorie content per 100 grams is 48 kcal. The nutritional value is in the content:

  • Protein - 0.4 g.
  • Fat - 0.4 g.
  • Carbohydrates - 9.7 g.

Use in cooking

Apples are quite in demand in the culinary field. For example, they are used to prepare delicious pies and other baked goods. When fresh, they are used to create salads and snacks. A special feature of the fruit is its long-term preservation. appearance without darkening.

Harm and contraindications

But some people need to use Granny Smith with caution. Apples are not suitable for people with individual intolerance. They should be used with caution in cases of colitis, ulcers and gastritis. It is necessary to control the quantity, since overeating can damage tooth enamel. Please note that the seeds of the fruit are poisonous and should not be eaten.

Selection and storage

You should choose apples based on their appearance. They should be smooth and whole, with a glossy skin. Their weight is quite heavy. The fruits are perfectly transported and perfectly retain their consumer properties for months.

For long-term storage, fruits are placed in a cool place, placed in boxes made of paper or wood. If you buy a few apples, you can leave them in the room or in the refrigerator. With proper storage, a tasty and healthy dessert will be available at any time, which adults and children enjoy.