Green Apple

Name: Green apple, most commonly the Granny Smith variety (Malus domestica ‘Granny Smith’). “Green apple” is a general term for tart, green-skinned apple cultivars, of which Granny Smith is by far the best known; others include Rhode Island Greening and Bramley.

Description

Granny Smith is a cultivar of the common apple, the domesticated tree fruit believed to descend from the wild Malus sieversii of Central Asia. Unlike most dessert apples, its skin stays green rather than turning red or yellow as it ripens, and its flesh is notably firmer and more acidic, which is why it holds its shape well in cooking.

The variety itself has a specific, well-documented origin story distinct from the species' ancient one: it was raised in Eastwood, New South Wales, Australia, around 1868 by a grower named Maria Ann “Granny” Smith, reportedly from a chance seedling. It was commercialized through the early 20th century and became one of the most widely grown apple varieties worldwide, prized for its tartness and long shelf life.

Main nutrition value

Per 100g, raw granny smith apple with skin:

Green apples provide a similar profile to apples generally: a useful amount of fiber, some potassium, and small amounts of manganese and copper, with less of the natural sugar than redder, sweeter varieties.

How best to be consumed

Granny Smith and other green apples are firm and tart enough to hold their shape well when baked, making them a favorite for pies and tarts, though they are equally good eaten raw, especially paired with something sweet like caramel or honey to balance the acidity. As with other apples, eating the skin keeps most of the fiber intact.

Overconsumption could cause…

Green apples are safe in normal amounts, but their higher acidity compared with sweeter varieties can aggravate acid reflux or sensitive teeth in people prone to either. Eating large quantities at once can also cause bloating or loose stools from the fiber and fermentable sugars, and, as with any apple, the seeds should not be chewed and swallowed in bulk.

GroupsApples and PearsRose family (Rosaceae)Low fatLow sodiumFresh

Related foodsPearQuinceRed AppleAppleLoquatAsian Pear / Nashi Pear

U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central — Apples, granny smith, with skin, raw (FDC ID 1750342), 100g portion: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/1750342/nutrients Encyclopaedia Britannica — apple (fruit and tree) [no dedicated Granny Smith article; general apple entry used]: https://www.britannica.com/plant/apple-fruit-and-tree