Apple

Apple is an ancient tree dating back to 600 years BC. It is a wild species originating in China, the Caucasus, and the shores of the Caspian Sea. Apple is one of the most important pome fruit trees in the world, followed by olive and grape, with 7,500 different varieties being produced. In 2005 world production was estimated at around 55 million tons. Today the United States is the major producer with about 15% of world production, followed by Italy and then France and Germany. In the Arab world Apple cultivation has expanded significantly in recent years, with Syria being the third largest producer of apples after Egypt and Morocco.