I learned today that a real-life Granny Smith is the inspiration for the moniker Granny Smith apples.
In 1799, Maria Ann Sherwood entered this world in England to parents who were farmers. She took an interest in farming after seeing her parents work and eventually joined them on the farm. She wed Thomas Smith, another farm laborer, when she was nineteen years old. For the following nineteen years, they ran a farm in Beckley and started a family.
Officials in the Australian government began actively seeking out individuals with agricultural experience in 1838 because of the critical shortage of farm laborers at the time. On November 27, 1838, the Smiths joined a number of other local families aboard the Lady Nugent, which arrived in Sydney. Mr. Smart of Kissing Point (now Ryde) hired Thomas to work as a farmhand when they arrived, and he made £5 a year.
The Smiths perfected their orchardist talents, as did most of the locals. The area was rich in fruit. The Smiths started their own orchard in 1855 after purchasing a plot of land. Like many of her neighbors, Maria Ann Smith took pleasure in tending to her apple seedlings. An article from 1924 in Farmer and Settler provides the most plausible narrative of her finding the apple that bears her name, however there are other versions.
The article’s publisher, Herbert Rumsey, was an orchardist in the region and spoke with two additional farmers who were acquainted with Granny Smith. Reportedly, the seedling was discovered by 69-year-old Maria Ann Smith in 1868 on her farm, near a brook.
She thought the seedling had originated from French crab apples, but modern research suggests it’s actually a hybrid of the domestic apple and the Malus sylvestris, more often known as the European wild apple. This young apple tree was started to grow by Granny Smith. Another resident, Edward Gallard, grew a substantial harvest from the original tree cuttings and maintained this practice every year until his passing in 1914.
Apples Were a Huge Hit in the Two Countries
The best cooking-apple was “Smith’s seedling,” which was shown at the 1891 Castle Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Show. At the Government Experimental Station in Bathurst, New South Wales, Granny Smith apples were mass-produced in 1895. The Department of Agriculture quickly added them to its list of export-friendly fruits. In 1935, the apples made their way to Britain. The Auvil Fruit Company’s Grady Auvil brought this variety of apple to the US market in 1972, making it a relatively new arrival.
Sadly, Granny Smith herself was never able to witness the economic success of her apples. Two short years after finding the apple seedling on her land, in 1870, she passed away. While local orchardists were instrumental in the fruits’ rise to fame, the credit for the discovery of a famous green apple ultimately goes to Granny Smith.
Apple Facts
- Gran Smith Like other apple trees, this one needs to be planted near another apple tree so it may pollinate itself and bear fruit. Because of this, it’s highly unlikely that a tree would grow from Granny Smith apple seeds planted in a grocery store; instead, you’d likely get a hybrid variety of apple, and you might not like it very much. The majority of apple trees also don’t pass their fruit on “true to type.” Apple varieties are preserved by grafting tree cuttings onto rootstocks instead of starting from seed. The most efficient method for ensuring that the offspring of an apple tree are genetically indistinguishable from the parent tree is vegetative propagation.
- The apple’s genome was deciphered in August 2010 by a scientific collaboration led by Italy. Many new findings demonstrating the apple tree’s extraordinary longevity resulted from this decoding. Apples have been around for more than 50 million years, and their genome virtually doubled from 9 to the present 17 over that time, according to their findings. Originating from a wild progenitor (original ancestor), Malus Sieversii, humans started domesticating and cultivating the tree some 3000–4000 years ago. Although it is under risk of extinction, this species is still quite common in Kazakhstan and China. Additionally, archeological finds indicate that apple consumption by humans dates back to at least 6500 B.C.
Apples have around 57,000 genes, more than any other plant genome ever analyzed, thanks to their high degree of genetic diversity. About 30,000 genes make up the human genome, just to give you an idea. Apples, it was discovered, have 992 genes that are responsible for their resistance to diseases. - It would appear that any one apple orchard might produce an infinite number of different types. The United States alone grows 2,500 apple types, while the rest of the globe grows 7,500.
- Edna Spurway, who was great-granddaughter of Granny Smith, lived to reach 101 years old and said that she ate “lots of apples” to keep herself healthy.
- When compared to other apple varieties, Granny Smiths have the highest quantity of antioxidants. The vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber content of a medium-sized Granny Smith apple is equivalent to 20% of the RDI.
- In remembrance of Granny Smith, a festival is conducted annually in Ryde, New South Wales. Each year, the event attracts about 80,000 revelers who come to enjoy the carnival rides, fireworks, and parade.
- Granny Smith apples are perfect for baking into pies because of their high acidity; they retain their shape better when cooked.
- With the right care, Granny Smith apple trees can live for more than fifty years and are among the fastest-growing apple trees.
- Gran Smith Several more apple kinds with green skin exist; the most famous of these are Apples, but there are also ginger gold and golden delicious apples, which are yellow-green, and the Japanese crispin or Mutsu apples, which were produced in 1948.
- Gran Smith The white color of sliced apples usually lasts longer than that of other apples. Nevertheless, here’s a secret to prolonging their whiteness: If you brush lemon juice on apple slices, they will stay white for a few hours instead of browning. The chemical polyphenol oxidase is released when an apple is cut open; it combines with atmospheric oxygen to produce the apple’s brown color. Lemon juice’s ascorbic acid prevents this reaction from occurring by causing the oxygen to react with the acid first.
Keep Granny Smiths in the fridge at the coldest temperature possible for the best storage results. Until the temperature reaches around 28.5 degrees Fahrenheit, apples will not freeze.
The Health Benefits Of Granny Smith Apples
Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients
Granny Smith apples are packed with antioxidants like quercetin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. They contain essential nutrients like Vitamin C, aiding the immune system, and dietary fiber, promoting gut health.
Digestive Health
The high fiber content in Granny Smith apples supports healthy digestion, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. Their pectin content assists in maintaining a balanced gut environment.
Weight Management
These apples are low in calories and rich in fiber, making them a satisfying snack that aids in weight management. The fiber helps control appetite and keeps you feeling fuller for longer periods.
Heart Health
The antioxidants in Granny Smith apples contribute to heart health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They also contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports overall heart function.
Blood Sugar Regulation
The low glycemic index of Granny Smith apples means they have a slower impact on blood sugar levels. They are a suitable fruit option for those managing diabetes when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
Dental Health
Despite their acidity, Granny Smith apples stimulate saliva production, aiding in the prevention of tooth decay and reducing the levels of bacteria in the mouth.
Potential Cancer Protection
Some research suggests that the phytochemicals and antioxidants present in Granny Smith apples may have anti-cancer properties, potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Skin Health
The Vitamin C content in these apples contributes to collagen production, aiding in skin health, elasticity, and fighting against skin damage caused by free radicals.
Reduced Asthma Risk
Consumption of apples, including Granny Smith varieties, has been associated with a lower risk of developing asthma due to their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Boosted Brain Health
Studies suggest that the antioxidants found in Granny Smith apples may contribute to better cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The story behind the vibrant green Granny Smith apples unveils a tale of agricultural prowess and dedication. Beyond the legacy of Maria Ann Smith, these apples signify a tribute to health. Their rich antioxidant content and numerous health benefits make them not just a fruit but a symbol of vitality, offering a flavorful path to well-being and celebrating the heritage of nature’s goodness.
