Origin and history
The apple is one of the oldest and most widely cultivated fruits in the world. Originating in Central Asia, it comes from the wild apple tree ( Malus sieversii ), which can still be found in Kazakhstan today. The Greeks, Romans, and Celts already considered it a symbol of beauty and fertility. Introduced to Europe more than 2,000 years ago, the apple has become an iconic fruit, prized as much for its sweetness as for its health benefits. Today, there are more than 20,000 varieties worldwide.