Apple

Apple, tree (genus Malus) of the rose family, widely cultivated in temperate climates; also, the fruit of the tree. Over 7,000 varieties are known, but only about 40 are commercially important, the most popular U.S. variety being the Delicious. Some 15 to 20% of the world's crop is produced in the United States, mostly in the states of Washington, New York, California, Michigan, and Virginia. There are 3 main types of apples: cooking, dessert, and those used in making cider.