Wild apple is an apple variety that grows naturally and spontaneously on mountain slopes and rural areas. Wild apple is a medium 3 cm diameter, white flesh, fragrant and aromatic, yellow or red colored.
In general, apples belonging to the genus Malus communis L. from the Rosaceae family; consist of 85% water, 11% carbohydrates, 2% dietary fiber, 0.6% fat, 0.5% organic acids, 0.3% protein and the most abundant acid in its compound is malic acid and it is also very rich in phenolic acids and vitamins.
Apple is one of the fruits known since ancient times, consumed in different forms and large quantities. It is known that the apple is praised in historical inscriptions due to some of its therapeutic properties.
Malus sylvestris Miller, known as the wild apple, is one of the lesser known but important varieties of apple with many cultivars grown or wild.
This type of apple is known as “the European crab apple” in Europe. Wild apple is also known as “mountain apple” or “forest apple.”
The wild apple tree looks more like a shrub than a tree. It can live up to 80-100 years and can grow up to 10 meters with trunk diameters of 23-45 centimeters.
Due to their poor competitiveness and high light requirement, wild apples are mostly grow on the wet edges of forests and the edges of farmland.
Wild apple is a fruit originating from Central Asia and it is known that different types are grow in Europe, America and Anatolia.
Although wild apples are found more or less in every region of Türkiye, the places where they are most concentrated are the Bayburt, Kastomunu and Erzurum regions.
It is widely preferred in its immediate surroundings and is usually consumed with tea. In this region, wild apples are used not only in season but also frozen or as pickles in other seasons.
Although it is not described as an economical fruit, it is easily found and sold in markets and markets in these regions.
Generally, its very strong aroma is used by adding wild apple to tea instead of lemon, and it is evaluated as a preventive measure against diseases in the East Anatolia. In addition, it is used in salads or it is processed into products such as apple juice, apple tea, apple cider vinegar, apple cider, apple molasses and apple compote.
The wild apple is also known as the ancestor of cultivated apples. Although this apple variety is not an economical product, it is consumed in different ways and for different purposes in the regions where it grows.
Generally, just the fruits of wild apples are consumed. However, when it is used as a flavoring as in tea, its seeds are also used. In addition, seeds are used to give color when turned into jam or similar products.
Composition and Health Benefits of Wild Apple
As reported by Afyonkarahisar Medical and Aromatic Plants Center (An Institution of Republic of Turkiye), wild apple has carbohydrate (12.6%), protein (0.3%), water (84.3%), fiber (2.5%) and lipid (%0,3).
It also contains vitamin C, E, B1, B2, PP, B5, B9 and provitamin A (Carotene) and oligo-elements such as potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn).
According to some studies, the glucose amount of wild apples has been determined as 46 mg/L.
In one study, the vitamin C content of wild apple was measured as 30.7 mg/100 g. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and helps prevent damage to cells caused by oxygen radicals. It also increases iron absorption and plays a role in bone formation, blood production, and wound healing.
Wild apple is also known to be quite rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that, even at low concentrations in foods or in the body, significantly prevent or delay oxidation. The effect of antioxidants on human health is very important. These effects are mainly exerted through radical scavenging and chain-breaking mechanisms.
From this perspective, based on limited data, wild apple is thought to have supportive potential for:
- kidney functions,
- headache,
- cholesterol,
- high blood pressure,
- blood sugar,
- rheumatism,
- gout disease,
- insomnia,
- intestinal parasites,
- fatigue, and
- constipation.
However, these effects have not been definitively proven.
In some studies, the antioxidant components in wild apple are suggested to have protective potential against prostate and lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and some chronic conditions, and may help limit DNA damage. However, more scientific research is needed to confirm these effects. Due to its rich phytochemical content, some sources indicate that wild apple may be effective in processes related to lipid oxidation and the immune system.
Recent studies have reported that apples have valuable antioxidant compounds that reduce the risk of prostate and lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic diseases and reduce DNA damage.
In interviews conducted in the region, consumers frequently stated that this fruit helps with insomnia and blood sugar. In some places, it is reported that those with high blood pressure or fever are given this apple to eat or its tea is prepared for them.
In the Kastamonu region, the “acuk ekşisi” produced from wild apple is stated by local people to be particularly effective against intestinal parasites. It is similarly claimed to have a positive effect on kidney and cardiovascular health.
It is reported that this fruit has been consumed in this manner for many years and is especially consumed more during the winter months in order to avoid illness.
As a result, it can be said that both fresh and dried wild apples are extremely beneficial to health. With its phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and antioxidant capacity, it is believed to strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms against the harmful effects of free radicals and thus have a functional role in preventing some diseases.
It is especially considered a fruit that should be taken into account for healthy nutrition and protection against serious diseases such as cancer.
On the other hand, the health effects of wild apple have not been sufficiently researched. The data presented are based on the statements of local people and limited studies conducted. Further research on this subject is very important in order to understand wild apple and to clearly determine what it is beneficial for.
Note: This article is intended solely for general informational purposes. Nutritional needs may vary from person to person. Always consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any changes to your diet.
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