How are wild apples different from store apples?

Wild apples and store-bought apples are quite different, both in appearance and taste. Here's a breakdown:

Wild Apples:

* Appearance: Smaller, often misshapen with a rough, uneven skin. The color can vary greatly from green to red to yellow.

* Taste: Tart, sour, and often bitter. They are high in tannins, giving them a puckering sensation. The texture can be hard and dense.

* Growing: These apples grow in the wild, without human intervention. They are not cultivated for specific traits like sweetness or size.

* Use: Best used for making cider, jams, jellies, and other processed products. Some can be eaten raw, but they are generally not as enjoyable as cultivated apples.

* Availability: They can be found in the wild, but are not commercially available.

Store-Bought Apples:

* Appearance: Large, uniformly sized, and have a smooth, shiny skin. They are typically red, green, or yellow.

* Taste: Sweet or tart, depending on the variety. They are bred for specific flavors and textures.

* Growing: Cultivated in orchards, using specific methods to ensure quality and size.

* Use: Eaten raw, used in baking, salads, and other dishes.

* Availability: Widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores.

Key differences:

* Flavor: Wild apples are generally tart and bitter, while store-bought apples can be sweet or tart, depending on the variety.

* Texture: Wild apples are hard and dense, while store-bought apples can be softer and juicier.

* Size and Appearance: Wild apples are smaller and misshapen, while store-bought apples are larger and have a more uniform appearance.

Interesting Fact: The apples you buy at the store are all descended from wild apples. Through selective breeding, humans have cultivated apples to have specific traits, like sweetness and size.