Kazakhstan – the birthplace of the apple
Kazakhstan is known not only for its vast landscapes and diverse culture but also for being the birthplace of all domesticated apple trees in the world. The wild Sievers apple (Malus sieversii) tree grows in the southern part of Kazakhstan in the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau, and it has become the progenitor of more than 10.5 thousand cultivars of apples that exist today.
This remarkable fact was first put forward by the Russian scientist Nikolai Vavilov, who studied crop diversity and plant genetics. Later, his hypothesis was confirmed by the expertise of Oxford University professor Barrie Juniper, who analyzed the DNA of different apple cultivars and found that they all had genetic traces of Malus sieversii. The Silk Road trade is believed to have played a role in spreading the fruit far and wide, eventually reaching North America with European colonists. Over time, new varieties were bred, and today apples are one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world.
How have apples changed over thousands of years?
The Sievers apple tree is a very stable and strong variety, and it was these qualities that allowed it to become the ancestor of all apples in the world. It is not known for certain when the first trees appeared, but in different sources, the numbers vary, with some suggesting that they grew even several thousand years before our era.
According to the research conducted by Dalhousie University Halifax, domesticated apples are significantly different from their wild counterparts, being 3.6 times heavier and 43% less acidic. This explains why modern apples, commonly found in supermarkets, are more appealing to our taste buds than the ones our ancestors consumed. The acidity level, which is responsible for the sourness of the fruit, has undergone a significant change over time, resulting in a much more pleasant flavor.
Another notable difference between the two types of apples is the phenolic content, which is 68% lower in cultivated apples. Although phenolic compounds are known to have positive effects on human health, they also contribute to the bitter taste in fruits. Therefore, the reduction of phenolic content in domesticated apples has resulted in a fruit that is much less bitter than its wild counterpart.
Endangered but not too late
Unfortunately, wild Sievers apple forests in Kazakhstan are currently under threat of destruction. Malus sieversii is listed as «vulnerable» on the ICUN Red List, and its population is decreasing due to residential and commercial development, livestock farming, and deforestation. The forests of wild apple trees are essential for biodiversity conservation and play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem services. Therefore, it is essential to take action to protect these forests and ensure that they can continue to thrive for generations to come.
A part of national identity
In Kazakhstan, the apple is celebrated annually with apple festivals held in Almaty, and the image of the fruit can be seen on many objects. The most famous variety in the country is the Almaty aport, which is a symbol of the southern capital and a jewel of the region. Aport is a large apple that has red skin with yellow or yellow-green coloring. The flesh of the apple is tender and has a delicate taste. By the way, Almaty's name itself translates to «apple-like» in Kazakh, further emphasizing the significance of the apple in the country's culture and identity.
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