Pink lady was originally bred by John Cripps. A round to asymmetrical shape with vivid green skin covered in a pinkish blush that becomes a deeper shade of red where the apple is exposed to more sun. They are earliest to blossom and last to be harvested among other varieties of apples.
Pink Lady apples had elevated levels of flavonoids, which are natural compounds, also called antioxidants. It can improve clinical indications of cardiovascular health, including blood pressure and its response to stress. Other health benefits include;
- Reducing the risk of diabetes. Apples help regulate blood sugar. It contains compounds that help by inhibiting enzymes involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates into simple sugars; by stimulating pancreatic cells to produce insulin; by decreasing the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream.
- Preventing constipation. Fresh apples are high in fiber, which adds bulk to the stool. Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, and roughage.
- Fighting bad breath. Apples contain pectin, which helps control food odors. Pectin also promotes saliva, which cleanses breath.
- Preventing asthma attacks. Asthma sufferers often have low levels of antioxidants. Apples are high in vitamin C and flavonoids. Both are antioxidant.
- Reducing the risk of stroke. Intake of apples is related to a decreased risk of thrombotic stroke.
- Combating fatigue. The high vitamin C and antioxidant content in apples counter the free radicals leading to oxidative stress, which has been linked to fatigue.
How To Plant, Care and Maintain Pink Lady Apple
The pink lady is propagated by grafting.
- While planting dig a hole 2ft by 2ft, mix the top soil with half bucket manure. Fertilizing should be done after the first flush of leaves. Apply N.PK, two table spoonful and this should be repeated after each and every three months but as the tree nears flowering, apply fertilizer with micro elements to enhance good fruit growth.
- Ensure your seedling gets enough water. Water twice a week.
- Weeding should be thorough, as weeds compete for nutrients with the pink lady tree and they harbor pests which eventually attacks apple tree.
- Pruning should be done yearly by removing the dead, broken and diseased branches.
Pink lady apple production.
An acre supports 200 plants of these apples. A mature pink lady apple produces an average of 400 fruits. A farmer should harvest about 80000 fruits in an acre. This translates to 1,600,000ksh as one fruit fetches 20ksh. Go for pink lady and you will never be disappointed.
Need apple seedlings
Great. Where can I get the pink lady grafted seedlings? In Nakuru.