One of George Washington's hobbies was pruning his apple trees.

Archeological evidence shows that the apple tree originated in the area between the Caspian and the Black Sea since at least 6500 B.C.  A Roman statesman could describe 37 different varieties of cultivated apples in his Natural History compilation. The fruits great diversity made it easy to spread worldwide. They were brought to North America by colonist in the 17^th century and the first apple orchid was planted in Boston in 1625.

The United States grows 2500 varieties out of the 7000 grown around the world. They grow in most all of the 50 states but are most common in Washington State, New York, and Michigan. Apple varieties range in size, from a little larger than a cherry to as large as a grapefruit, and also differ significantly in taste: they can have an aftertaste of pear, citrus, cinnamon, or many other flavors.

• Gala

• Red Delicious

• Granny Smith

• Braeburn

• Fuji