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The Australian 'Granny Smith' apple (Malus domestica) is believed to be a descendant of a French crabapple. The tree was discovered in a compost pile in Sydney, Australia, by Maria Ann Smith nearly 100 years before its introduction into North America in the 1970s. The fruit of 'Granny Smith' apple trees is available in grocery stores and markets across the country. However, the home gardener can raise 'Granny Smith' apple trees in their own yard or orchard.

Apples can be eaten fresh, microwaved, boiled into applesauce, roasted, and even grilled. Nutrition Benefits. Low calorie, fat free, cholesterol free, sodium free;.

Fruit Facts

'Granny Smith' apple trees produce fruit that can be eaten out of hand or cooked. Due to the high acid content, these apples do not turn brown after cutting as soon as most other apple varieties. 'Granny Smith' apples have firm flesh that holds its shape when slices are cooked until tender. The rich, tangy flavor and firm flesh make 'Granny Smith' apples suitable for pies, tarts, chunky applesauce and other dishes. 'Granny Smith' apples that remain on the tree until leaf drop have a sweeter flavor.

Nutrition

The 'Granny Smith' apple tree produces medium-size fruit. One 154-gram apple contains approximately 80 calories that are all supplied by carbohydrates. With zero fats and sodium, 'Granny Smith' apples provide 5 grams of fiber, 20 percent of vitamin C requirements, and 2 percent of vitamin A, calcium and iron, according to the Idaho State Department of Education. 'Granny Smith' apple trees in the home garden provide nutritious fruit that can be canned, frozen or kept in the refrigerator for later use.

Fruit Harvest and Storage

Late season trees, 'Granny Smith' apples are harvested in October to January or February, depending upon the climate. In Washington State, apples are generally picked in October. However, in Mediterranean climates with mild winters, fruit often ripens at about the same time as leaf drop. 'Granny Smith' apples can be kept in the refrigerator for several months or in commercial cold storage for up to a year when the temperature is 33 degrees Fahrenheit, plus or minus one degree, according to the University of California at Davis. Freezing does not occur until the temperature drops to around 28.5 degrees F.

Culture

Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 8, 'Granny Smith' apples reach a height and spread of 15 to 25 feet. Plant 'Granny Smith' apple trees in locations receiving at least six hours of sunlight each day. Self-pollinating, 'Granny Smith' apple trees set fruit without a pollinator partner. However, for higher rates of fruit set, plant another variety for cross-pollination. It is important to select a pollinator that blooms at the same time as the 'Granny Smith.' 'Fuji,' 'Gala' and 'Jonathan' are suitable pollinators for the 'Granny Smith' tree. Prune to encourage greater air circulation and sunlight penetration. Thin fruit when apples are the size of marbles to encourage development of larger fruit.

About the Author

For Judy Kilpatrick, gardening is the best mental health therapy of all. Combining her interests in both of these fields, Kilpatrick is a professional flower grower and a practicing, licensed mental health therapist. A graduate of East Carolina University, Kilpatrick writes for national and regional publications.

Photo Credits

• Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

Getty ImagesIf you want to feel fuller, longer, simply eat an apple. A Granny Smith to be exact. At least that's what is saying. While all apples are a good source of non-digestible compounds, Granny Smith's in particular can help eaters feel full and fast.After feeding both lean and obese mice seven varieties, researchers found that the tart Granny Smith had the most beneficial effect on good gut bacteria that helps aid with digestion and serves as a barrier to protect our immune systems. In fact, Granny Smith apples, which are high in non-digestible dietary fiber and low in carbs, helped balance out the good bacteria that is often off balance in obese patients.'

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The non-digestible fiber in apples, as well as the polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) that are associated with eating apples, changes gut bacteria to the same types of 'friendly' bacteria,' explains Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, nutrition director of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.Researchers also found that eating Granny Smith's can help combat against chronic inflammation, which can lead to diabetes. 'Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, but are also high in water content — which can help you stay full, not to mention hydrated,' says London. 'I have at least one Granny Smith a day. Photo credit: Getty Images.