There are many varieties of apples. Can you name the common variety of apple which has a shiny green skin and is very tart and crunchy?

That unmistakable bright green, crisp apple with a powerfully tart flavor is the Granny Smith. Its characteristic sharp taste and crunchy, firm flesh make it a favorite for those who enjoy a less sweet apple. The dense flesh holds its shape beautifully when cooked, which is why it's one of the most popular varieties for baking, especially in apple pies where its tartness balances the sweet filling. Its high acidity also means it doesn't brown as quickly as other apples when sliced, making it perfect for salads.

The apple has a fascinating origin story, beginning with a happy accident in Australia in 1868. A woman named Maria Ann Smith, who came to be known as "Granny" Smith in her community, discovered a unique seedling growing where she had tossed the remains of some French crab-apples. She cultivated the new apple, which was eventually named in her honor. The apple's popularity grew, and it was officially recognized in New South Wales in 1895.

One of the key factors in the Granny Smith's global success is its exceptional shelf life. It can be stored for much longer than many other apple varieties, which made it an ideal apple for export. From its humble beginnings in an Australian backyard, the Granny Smith has become one of the most well-known and widely available apples in the world.