Smitten Apple: Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits, And More

If you’ve ever wondered about the nutritional facts, health benefits, and other aspects of smitten apples, then you won’t want to miss this blog post!

The Smitten apple is a cultivar of the apple developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research. This apple variety has a unique flavor due to its high sugar content and is highly sought after because of its disease resistance and long storage ability. Although this variety has not yet been widely commercialized, it is projected to become very popular with both growers and consumers. The Smitten apple can be found in New Zealand from early April until June.

The Unique Taste

Smitten apples are known for their sweet, juicy flavor and crisp texture. They have a sweet-tart flavor with subtle fruity, floral, cider, and wine-like nuances that add complexity to their taste. They are typically described as having a rich, succulent taste. 

Origin/Ethnic/Cultural Info

The Smitten apple is a new cultivar created by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research. It is a hybrid of two existing varieties, namely the Royal Gala and Braeburn apples. This special variety was developed as part of a breeding program to search for an apple that can be harvested early, has good storage capabilities, and displays high levels of sugar content along with delicious flavor.

Smitten apples have already become known for their desirable properties – sweet taste, resistance to disease, and good shelf life. Although they are relatively new in the market, they are expected to gain traction among consumers and growers alike in New Zealand as well as other regions with similar climate conditions that make them viable for growth.

Cultivation

The Smitten apple is a variety of apple trees well-suited to growing conditions in New Zealand. It is hardy, tolerates cold temperatures, and is resistant to common diseases such as fire blight and apple scabs. Additionally, the tree is drought-tolerant and can withstand different types of soil.

The Smitten apple tree usually reaches 8 to 10 feet tall with a compact, vigorous growth pattern. The fruit it bears is medium to large-sized with bright red coloring that has some yellow or green highlights. The apples are harvested from April to May and have a high sugar content and an excellent flavor. Additionally, they are low maintenance in terms of disease and pest control due to their natural resistance as well as their comparatively long storage life.

Growing Smitten apples at home requires purchasing young trees from a nursery orchard. These should be planted in an area with plentiful sunlight, good drainage, and about 15-20 feet apart for optimal growth and fruit production. Pruning is essential for controlling branch shape as well as encouraging the development of new fruit-bearing limbs while proper fertilization and irrigation will also help keep your trees healthy.

Seasons/Availability

The Smitten apple is a popular variety in New Zealand, typically harvested in April-May and available for purchase until June. Its sweetness and flavor make it stand out, as well as its disease resistance and storage ability. Smitten apples can be stored in a cool, dry area for several months, making them accessible to buy for longer than some other varieties.

Nutrition Facts 

Smitten apples offer an array of nutritional benefits:

• Provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, potassium to balance fluid levels, calcium for bone and teeth strength, and vitamin A for healthy organ function
• Supply trace amounts of iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, boron, and phosphorus for overall health
• Contain fiber to help regular the digestive tract
• Convenient snack that can be eaten on the go or added to meals for flavor and nutrition
• Easy way to get all those essential nutrients without having to take supplements or eat large amounts of other foods.

Eating Smitten apples regularly is an excellent choice for maintaining a balanced diet while simultaneously providing your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy.

Health Benefits

Smitten apples are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet, offering several health benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids which can help protect the body from free radical damage and reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
• Good source of fiber which can help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
• Contains high water content which helps keep the body hydrated and promotes digestion.
• The fiber found in Smitten apples, particularly in the skin helps reduce LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol).
• High levels of vitamin C helps to support collagen production which gives skin its elasticity and strength.
• Relatively low in calories making them an ideal snack for those managing their weight.

Overall, Smitten apples are a delicious and nutritious fruit that provide numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and water, making them an ideal choice for a healthy lifestyle.

Uses

Smitten apples are a sweet and juicy variety of apple that can be used in many different ways:

• Eating fresh: Smitten apples make a healthy snack or dessert due to their sweet flavor and crisp texture.
• Baking: Diced, sliced, or grated Smitten apples can be added to recipes for pies, tarts, cakes, and breads.
• Cooking: Smitten apples add a sweet and tangy flavor to savory dishes such as stews, soups, and curries.
• Making apple sauce: Peel, core, and cook the apples down to create a tasty apple sauce.
• Making juice/cider: Use smitten apples to whip up some refreshing juice or cider by juicing/pressing the fruit directly.
• Pollination: The apple can also be used as a pollinator for other varieties – resulting in higher yields since cross-pollination has taken place.