You’ve likely seen Golden Delicious, McIntosh, and Cortland apples lining the shelves of your local grocery store, but did you know that more than 7500 varieties of the fruit are grown around the world? Each has its own unique color, taste, and size, and some even have fanciful names like Cosmic Crisp or Pixie Crunch. In the video above, TED-Ed host Theresa Doud explains why—and how—farmers breed new apple types, tracing the lengthy process from pollination to patent.
[h/t The Kid Should See This]
Banner image: iStock
Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.
October 4, 2016 – 3:00am