Share:
Day of the apple Eating an apple daily drives out the doctor
"An apple a day and the doctor stays where he likes," it says in an English proverb. Today's apple is all about the healthy, vitamin-rich fruit. Whether as a food, ornamental plant or remedy - apples are more popular than ever.
Around 5,000 different varieties attract the consumer
"No fruit offers more variety," says Klaus Hahne, operator of the orchard in Laatzen-Gleidingen. The selection of around 5,000 different varieties ranges from dessert apples to special apples for diabetics. Some companies specialize in preserving old apple varieties while others develop new varieties using genetic engineering. Hahne reports that many customers express specific wishes, such as a high firmness of the apple. Then the plants would have to react and plant appropriate trees. Old apple varieties such as "Freiherr von Berlepsch" are considered to be particularly rich in vitamins. In 100 grams of fruit about 25 milligrams of vitamin C are included. Boskoop and Ontario are also among the vitamin-rich varieties.
Apples contain valuable fiber, which has a positive effect on digestion and intestinal health. (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com) Apple lovers have the free choice in this country: the trade offers a range of around 15 domestic apple varieties throughout the year, which leaves nothing to be desired in terms of taste, firmness, size and color. The number 1 in the ranking of best-selling apples is traditionally the aromatic-juicy Elstar. It accounts for around 20 percent of the total sales volume on average. In second place is the sweet and sour Braeburn with a good 13 percent. This is followed by the fine-sour Jonagold and Jonagored, the sweet gala and the sweet and aromatic Golden Delicious. This sextet accounts for around 50% of German production.
Apples in numbers
- Apples ranked # 1 in the ranking of the most popular fruits in Germany.
Each German consumes on average about 9 kg of apples per year or - with a weight per apple of 150 g - 59 apples per year!
- Germany is one of the most important apple producers in Europe: Every year around 1 million tons of the crunchy fruits are harvested here. Due to the spring frosts in 2017, however, the German harvest last year was almost half (46%) lower.
- Apples are cultivated in Germany on an area of 34,000 hectares - that is almost the whole of Mallorca!
- The most important apple regions are on the Niederelbe, on Lake Constance, in the Rhineland and in Saxony.
- 83% of the apples were bought in the food retail trade.
- On average, a household buys apples 14 times a year, taking 1.5 kg each.
- 87% of all households are apple buyers.
- Most apple lovers live in NRW. 21% of all apples are bought there, followed by northwestern Germany with 17.6% and on the same level Central Germany and Bavaria with 14.8%.
But since tastes are not only different, but also subject to change, there are always new varieties in addition to the popular classics, which meet the current taste preferences of consumers and combine the best properties of known apples in itself. In addition to the brand new snack apple Rockit®, this also includes the Evelina®.
In Germany apple orchards occupy the largest area in fruit cultivation. This type of large-scale cultivation was introduced to the Romans. It is assumed that the apple originates from Asia and has been cultivated since about the 6th century in Central Europe. From the 16th century, the apple also gained economic importance. Targeted breeding, however, did not start until the 19th century.
Apples: Tasty and healthy
Apples contain over 30 different minerals and trace elements. These include iron and potassium, which regulate the water balance. Due to its numerous fruit acids, it is good for dental health. It also regulates the intestinal activity and contains important vitamins, which include vitamins B1, B2, B6, E and C, provitamin A as well as niacin and folic acid.
Another important ingredient is pectin, which reduces cholesterol and binds and flushes out other pollutants. Flavonoids and carotenoids are also found in apples. They are said to have an antioxidant effect in the body. In addition, they should reduce the risk of cancer. So-called catechins to prevent bronchial and lung diseases.
Many people like apples fresh from the tree, but it is often worth storing them for a long time. Some varieties develop their full flavor only then. (Image: famveldman / fotolia.com) Irina Jordan-Berndt, Specialist in General Medicine and Nutritional Medicine, summarizes: "It is known that apples contain vitamin C. In addition, there are so-called phytochemicals in the fruit, which are healthy for us humans. They strengthen the immune system, regulate metabolism and fight bacteria. This makes them particularly valuable in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. "
Up to 70 percent of an apple's vitamins are stored in and just below its shell. If you peel an apple, you forgo a large proportion of it vitamins. In addition to vitamins, the shell also contains magnesium, iron, unsaturated fats and bioactive substances. As a general rule, apples that have grown in the sun are more rich in vitamins than those that grow in the shade.
Apples as a remedy in natural medicine
Apples have always been used as home remedies for various diseases. Egg-grated apples, for example, counteract diarrhea. In throat and throat infections, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in combination with a tablespoon of honey can help in a glass of water. Hoarseness can be alleviated by eating a roasted apple with honey. Pregnancy sickness can be avoided by eating an apple before getting up.
In case of insomnia, an apple should be consumed before going to sleep, and in case of nervousness, a self-prepared apple tea will help. An unpeeled apple is sliced and doused with one liter of boiling water. After two hours of brewing, the apple tea is ready. For pure and delicate skin, a peeled apple can be ground, mixed with a little honey and applied as a mask. After 20 minutes of exposure, the mask should be washed off again. (Sb)