History of Apple in Timeline
The apple is a widely cultivated, edible fruit originating from Central Asia. Its wild ancestor, Malus sieversii, still exists in the region. Apples have a long history of cultivation in Eurasia, eventually spreading to North America via European colonists. They hold cultural and religious importance in various traditions, including Norse, Greek, and European Christian cultures.
1922: First Recording of "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away"
The commonly known phrase "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" was first recorded, originating from a longer Welsh proverb about the health benefits of apples.
2010: Apple Genome Sequencing
The apple genome was sequenced to improve disease control and selective breeding in apple production.
2010: First Apple Genome Sequencing
The first complete apple genome sequence was completed using the 'Golden Delicious' cultivar. This sequence had some errors due to the complexity of the apple genome.
2014: Proposal to Conserve Malus domestica Rejected
An initial proposal to make Malus domestica the conserved name for the apple species was rejected by the Committee for Vascular Plants of the IAPT.
2014: Start of Global Apple Production Tracking
This marks the beginning of a period where global apple production was tracked annually, averaging 78 million tonnes per year.
2015: US FDA Approval of Arctic Apples
The US Food and Drug Administration determined that Arctic apples are safe and nutritious.
April 2017: Proposal to Conserve Malus domestica Approved
The Committee for Vascular Plants of the IAPT narrowly approved the proposal to make Malus domestica the conserved name for the apple species.
June 2017: Official Conservation of Malus domestica
The General Committee of the IAPT officially approved the conservation of Malus domestica as the scientific name for apples.
2017: Continued Use of Malus domestica
Despite the official conservation of Malus domestica, some publications continued to use the name under a different taxonomy.
2017: Canadian Approval of Arctic Apples
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency determined that Arctic apples are safe and nutritious.
2019: Introduction of Arctic Apples
Arctic apples, genetically modified to resist browning, were introduced to the US market.
2021: High Global Apple Production
Global apple production reached 93 million tonnes, with China being the top producer, followed by the United States and Turkey.
2023: Record Global Apple Production
Global apple production reached a record 83 million tonnes, with China contributing nearly half of the total.