Are Apples Native To The Middle East? Exploring Their Origins

Were apples native to the Middle East? The origins of apples can be traced back to a surprising location: Kazakhstan, situated in central Asia to the east of the Caspian Sea. In fact, the capital of Kazakhstan, Alma Ata (now known as Almaty since 1997), has a name that literally means “full of apples.” Around 1500 BC, apple seeds began to spread across Europe, marking the start of their journey to become the beloved fruit we know today. This intriguing history sheds light on the surprising beginnings of apples, which are often associated with the Middle East due to their prominence in ancient cultures.

The historical journey of apples to the Middle East is a somewhat mysterious one, but scholars generally believe that these iconic fruits have their roots in the Caucasus Mountains of Asia Minor. While pinpointing their exact origins can be challenging, it is estimated that by around 2,000 BC, apples had already made their way to the eastern Mediterranean region. This likely occurred through the efforts of ancient merchants and adventurous travelers who traversed the prehistoric trade routes crisscrossing the Middle East. This fascinating piece of history sheds light on how apples, which we now associate with the region, were introduced and gradually became a part of the Middle Eastern landscape. (Note: The date “25th September 2017” seems to be unrelated to the content and has been removed for clarity.)

• Ceratonia siliqua. Carob tree, alfarrobeira.
• Phoenix dactylifera. Date palm, tamareira.
• Prunus dulcis. Amandier, almond tree, amendoeira.
• Punica granatum. Pomegranate, grenadier, romãzeira.
• Vitis vinifera. Grape, wine grape, purpleleaf grape, common grape, videira.