Apples, granny smith, with skin, raw
Whole food · Fruits and Fruit Juices
Photo: Wikipedia
The Granny Smith apple is a crisp, tart, and intensely green-skinned fruit, known for its firm texture that holds up well to both raw eating and cooking. Its vibrant, sour flavor profile comes from a high concentration of malic acid, which gives it a refreshing, mouth-puckering quality. Nutritionally, it's a low-calorie, high-fiber choice, with a notable 2.5g of fiber per 100g, making it a satisfying and gut-friendly snack.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore the Granny Smith for its signature tartness and satisfying crunch, which provides a refreshing contrast to sweeter foods. It's a versatile kitchen staple, beloved for its ability to hold its shape in pies, salads, and savory dishes without turning mushy.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its sharp acidity can be off-putting to those who prefer sweeter fruit and may cause discomfort for individuals with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. To counteract this, pair it with a source of protein or fat like peanut butter or cheese, which also helps moderate the blood sugar response from its natural sugars.
Key benefits
- High in dietary fiber for digestive health.
- Low in calories (59 kcal per 100g) for weight management.
- Rich in malic acid, which may support energy metabolism.
- Contains antioxidants like quercetin in the skin.
- Low glycemic index compared to many other fruits.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Granny Smith apple was first cultivated in 1868 by Maria Ann Smith (nicknamed 'Granny Smith') in Eastwood, Australia, after she accidentally discovered a seedling growing near a creek.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 85.1 g |
| Energy (Atwater General Factors) | 59.0 kcal |
| Energy (Atwater Specific Factors) | 53.0 kcal |
| Energy | 59.0 kcal |
| Energy | 247 kj |
| Nitrogen | 0.04 g |
| Protein | 0.27 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.14 g |
| Ash | 0.31 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 14.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.5 g |
| Sugars, Total | 10.5 g |
| Sucrose | 1.4 g |
| Glucose | 2.3 g |
| Fructose | 6.8 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 5.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.07 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 5.1 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 10.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 116 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 0.00 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.02 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.04 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.02 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.07 mg |
| Niacin | 0.11 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.03 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
FAQ
Are Granny Smith apples good for baking?
Yes, they are excellent for baking. Their firm flesh holds its shape well and their tartness balances the sweetness of sugar in pies and tarts.
What makes Granny Smith apples so green?
Their bright green color comes from a high concentration of chlorophyll, which is retained even as the apple ripens, unlike many other varieties that turn red or yellow.
Is the skin of a Granny Smith apple nutritious?
Yes, the skin is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. It's recommended to eat it with the skin on for maximum nutritional benefit.