Apples are one of the most popular fruits globally, and for good reason. They’re delicious, nutritious, and versatile. But where exactly do all these apples come from? Let’s take a bite-sized tour of the top 10 apple producing countries in the world!
1: China
China reigns supreme in the world of apple production, accounting for a whopping 47.57 million tonnes in 2022. The country boasts vast areas of fertile land with suitable climates for apple growing, particularly in the mountainous regions of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Shandong provinces. China is also a major exporter of apples, sending its crisp fruits to countries all over the world.
2: Turkey
Coming in second is Turkey, a country with a long history of apple cultivation. In 2022, Turkey produced an impressive 4.82 million tonnes of apples. The most prominent apple-growing regions in Turkey are located around the Aegean and Marmara seas, with the Gala and Granny Smith varieties being particularly popular.
3: United States
The United States has long been a major apple producer, ranking third globally with 4.43 million tonnes in 2022. Apple production is concentrated in Washington state, which is nicknamed “The Apple Capital of the World.” Other significant apple-growing regions in the US include Michigan, New York, and California. Popular US apple varieties include Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp.
4: Poland
Poland is a major player in the European apple market, producing 4.26 million tonnes of apples in 2022. The country has a long tradition of apple cultivation, with orchards dotting the Polish countryside. Some of the most popular apple varieties grown in Poland include Idared, Jonagold, and Golden Delicious.
5: India
India is a rising star in the world of apple production, with output reaching 2.59 million tonnes in 2022. Apple cultivation is primarily concentrated in the northern states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, which benefit from the cool Himalayan climate. The most popular apple varieties grown in India include Royal Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious.
6: Russia
Russia boasts a long history of apple cultivation, with apple trees being introduced to the country as early as the 10th century. In 2022, Russia produced 2.38 million tonnes of apples. The main apple-growing regions in Russia are located in the southern parts of the country, where the climate is more favorable. Some of the most popular apple varieties grown in Russia include Antonovka, Granny Smith, and Simirenko.
7: Italy
Italy is known for its delicious food, and apples are no exception. The country produced 2.26 million tonnes of apples in 2022. Apple cultivation is widespread throughout Italy, with different regions specializing in specific varieties. For example, the Val Venosta valley in South Tyrol is famous for its Golden Delicious apples, while the Trentino region is known for its Melinda apples.
8: Iran
Iran is a major apple producer in the Middle East, with output reaching 1.99 million tonnes in 2022. Apple cultivation is concentrated in the northwestern parts of the country, where the climate is more temperate. Some of the most popular apple varieties grown in Iran include Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Golpasand.
9: France
France is another European country with a long history of apple cultivation. In 2022, France produced 1.79 million tonnes of apples. The main apple-growing regions in France are located in Normandy, Brittany, and the Rhone-Alpes region. Popular French apple varieties include Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Reine des Reinettes.
10: Chile
Rounding out our top 10 list is Chile, a South American country that produced 1.48 million tonnes of apples in 2022. Nestled in the central valley, Chile’s temperate climate provides the perfect conditions for apple orchards to flourish. Exporting a significant portion of its harvest, Chile shares its delicious apples with the world.
So, the next time you take a bite of a crisp apple, remember the journey it took – from the fertile orchards of these top 10 countries to your plate. From China’s vast production to Chile’s emerging role, the world of apple cultivation is a fascinating one, filled with history, tradition, and of course, delicious fruit!
