Annurca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 'Annurca' |
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| Genus | Malus |
| Species | Malus pumila |
| Cultivar | 'Annurca' |
| Origin |  Italy |
The Annurca apple, pronounced an-NOOR-ka in Italy, is a very old type of apple that comes from Southern Italy. People believe it might be the same apple mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his famous book Naturalis Historia way back in ancient Roman times. Later, in the 1500s, Gian Battista della Porta also wrote about it. However, the name 'Annurca' was first used by Giuseppe Antonio Pasquale.
Even today, this apple is grown a lot in Southern Italy. You can find many Annurca apple farms near the cities of Caserta and Benevento. This area is even called the "queen of apples" because so many are grown there.
Ancient Apple Discoveries
The Annurca apple is a symbol of the Campania region in Italy. It has been important there for at least 2,000 years! We know this because of old paintings found in the ruins of Herculaneum. This was a Roman city that was buried by the Eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79.
In places like the Casa dei Cervi (House of the Stags) in Herculaneum, there are fresco paintings that show apples. Many people believe these paintings show the Annurca apple. Similar apple pictures have also been found in the ruins of Pompeii.
What Makes Annurca Special?
The Annurca apple has a white inside, which is firm and crunchy. It has a sweet smell and a taste that is both sweet and a little bit tart.
What's really interesting about this apple is how it ripens. It doesn't turn red on the tree! Instead, farmers pick the apples when they are still green. Then, they carefully place them in the sun until they turn a beautiful red color. This special way of ripening helps the apple keep its unique flavor and firm texture. This firmness is partly because of something called pectin, which is a natural substance in the apple.
There are also two main types, or "clones," of Annurca apples that farmers grow. They are called Standard and Rossa del Sud, which means "Red of the South."
Annurca's Special Status
The Annurca apple is a very important fruit in the local cooking of Naples (called Neapolitan cuisine). It is listed on the Ark of Taste, which is a special list of unique foods that are important to local culture and traditions. This helps to protect these foods.
The Annurca apple also has a special status from the European Union. It is called "PGI Melannurca," which stands for Protected Geographical Indication. This means that only apples grown in a specific area of Italy, using traditional methods, can be called 'Annurca'. It helps people know they are getting the real thing!
