Kashmiri Apple :

Kashmir is referred to as the fruit bowl of India and apples of the region have gained popularity among the people across the globe for its unique yet delicious taste. In India, Kashmir is the prime source of total Apple production of the country. Apart from Kashmir, Apple is also grown in Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal.

Apple is a fleshy fruit with a range of health benefits. It's a product of fruit-bearing deciduous small tree, growing up to 5-8 meters high. Apples in India are predominantly grown in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttranchal; however, small percentage of apple production in India accrues to other regions like Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu. Kashmir is geographically blessed for the optimal growth of Apple and thus Kashmiri Apple is considered superior among all other region. It has a distinguished color, shape and quality that makes it unique and better than others.

Apple grows in mainly temperate climates. In tropical country like India, This temperate fruit is grown in high elevated areas of North western Himalaya. The area under apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh is also same as Jammu and Kashmir. However Kashmir has the highest average yield owing to its climate suitability. The major areas under apple cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir are Kulgam, Handwara, Baramullah, Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag, etc.

Types of Apples :

Apple is probably the most ancient fruit primarily grown in Asia and Europe and then brought to North America. A variety of myths, stories and facts about apple can be found in Greek mythology; like the famous one about the forbidden apple of the Garden of Eden in the Holy Bible. Apple is rich in fiber, Vitamin C, antioxidants, Flavinoids and calories. Apple was cultivated in Central Asia, first in 1865. Recently, China is the leading producer of Apple amongst other producers across the globe. Nevertheless, Kashmiri Apples hold a unique identity in global arena.
There are mainly seven types of Kashmiri Apple grown on a commercial scale in Kashmir.

Ambri Kashmir : Ambri is the most popular and considered to be the indigenous production of apple in India grown in Himalayan hills. It is widely famous for its crispiness, aroma, flavor and attractiveness. Generally this kind of Apple is fully ripe in month of October and stays fresh for a long period. Ambri Apple is blush red, slightly striped, medium in size and conical in shape. Over the period, Ambri apples are grown less in Himalayan Hills and instead the production has increased in the Shopian and Kulgam area. Batote area of Jammu also houses a production farm of this rare apple.

American Trel : This kind of Apple is small and round shaped and quite juicy. American Trel is very crispy and sweet in taste. The skin of the fruit is white greenish and sweet. This apple ripens in September and is out in market by mid- September. It offers good taste in desserts and comparatively much cheaper in price. This variety is popular with customer for its absolute shape, red color and cheaper price.

Delicious (Red Delicious) : Delicious or Red Delicious Apple is a world-popular and most widely grown variety of apple in Sapore region in Kashmir. Color of the skin is blush red and the texture is smooth. Flesh of the Red delicious apple is greenish white and grained, sweet and juicy. Its crispiness and aromatic features made it more attractive. Size of the fruit may vary from medium to large. The fruit can be found abundantly in local market immediately after it ripens in mid-September.

Maharaji Apple : Maharaji Apple is a large sized apple with bright red color on a green base. has some conspicuous dots. Skin of the fruit is crisp, juicy, and aromatic yet taste is bit acidic. This variety ripens in late October and it remains fresh for a longer period of time and gets sweeter with time.

Hazaratbali Apple (Benoni) : Hazaratbali Apple is a medium sized apple and its shapes may vary from round to slightly conical. Color of the fruit may differ from red color to stripe with a tender skin. Skin of this apple is sweet and juicy. This variety cannot stored for a longer period and has small shelf life. Hazartbali ripens in mid- July and is the oldest variety of apple available in Kashmir valley, and is consumed in large quantities in the country.

Golden delicious apple : Golden delicious apple is a conical shaped, small and medium sized fruit popularly known for its freshness and longer shelf life. is crisp, white,juicy, and thick which is green in color and turns yellow on ripening. Its Sweet taste and smoothness make it an excellent ingredient of dessert. This variety ripens in late October and is available in the market till January.

Exports :

Jammu and Kashmir apple growers have exported 4.50 lakh metric tons of fruit  in 2019 year till October 9, compared to 5.79 lakh metric tons of apple exported last year in the same time period.and it stands fifth largest apple producer in the world. Out of which 35% apples were being produced in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The total area under cultivation in India is estimated to be the second largest in the world however its average yield is less than its area.

As far as export of apple is concerned, India stands as a leading contributor. Out of which 55% apple are contributed by Kashmir valley. Over the years, imported apples from China, New Zealand, and USA have hit the export market of India. Chinese Fuji Apple exported by China to Indian market has gotten the immense popularity for its price and taste despite of its non appealing pinkish hue. Even then the potential for export of Kashmiri Apple to the neighboring countries is enormous; however, the advanced plantation technique, new variety of apple crop, storage facility, packaging and many other factors can increase the quality of production hence the export and in future.