A google search on the word apple, not surprisingly, generates results about American multinational technology company. Apple fruit has however inspired individuals way back before, considering the memorable physics class about gravity and how it was discovered by Isaac Newton.

According to Oxfarm, a farming market place, Kenya imported 4000 tonnes of apples in the year 2016 representing about ksh.160 million. The demand is high in Kenya that famers cannot meet it. Most parts of Kenya are ideal for apple farming with more than 400 known varities. The most commonly grown varities of apples in Kenya include winter banana, anna, top red, brae burn, Fiji, golden dorset and cripps lady.

Apples prefer sandy-loamy soil that run deep and drain easily. The recommended PH is 5.5-6.5 . A spacing of 3m by 3m and planted in a hole measuring 2ft by 2ft. They require rainfall of 800-1100mm per year.

Facts about Apple Farming

• They start fruiting as early at 9 months.
• There are more than 7,500 varieties of apple
• A mature apple tree can produce more than 500 fruits in a season.
• An acre can accommodate 500 trees.
• An apple fruit can be stored for four to eight months and even more when refrigerated.

Apple Health Benefits

• Help prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
• Helps prevent constipation
• Rich in fibre which helps the digestive system
• Useful in treating anaemia due to its rich source of iron
• Helps clean teeth and gums
• Stimulates the secretion of saliva and reduce the ability for bacteria to grow
• Help prevent heart disease by lowering the level of bad cholesterol in the
  body
• Help reduce appetite and over-eating
• Safe to eat for people suffering with type 2 diabetes

Fun Fact

It takes about 36 apples to create one gallon of apple cider