Kashmir proudly known as the paradise of earth is also home to temperate fruits like apple for which the state is very famous across the globe. The main factor which influences temperate fruit bearing trees is soil, climate and environment which are highly favorable and unparalleled in the province of Kashmir. Apple (Malus pumila) is commercially the most important temperate fruit and is fourth among the most widely produced fruits in the world after banana, orange and grape. Man has very little control over nature especially factors like the climatic conditions which influences the geographic distribution of various kinds and varieties of temperate fruits. Although apple can be grown in all temperate regions including both the northern and the southern hemisphere it is not possible in the tropical climate of South Asia.
There are lot of mentions about the Kashmir apple in history where the famous Chinese pilgrim Huen Tsang who travelled to Kashmir has made a mention of various temperate fruits like Pears, Wild Plum, the Peach, the Apricot, Grape and the Apple. The breathtaking and the stunning beauty of the valley of Kashmir and its temperate fruits like apples has been complimented by people from different areas including writers and travelers belonging to different ages and nationalities. It was the Mughal emperor Jehangir who named Kashmir as the Paradise on Earth for the valley is featured with snow capped peaks and sparkling streams, high pastures carpeted with alpine flowers, fertile valley rich with fruits and grain and its lakes and springs. It has been considered from time immemorial that planting any fruit or nut tree as sacred here in Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir are often referred to with the acronym, J&K. Its location is in the Himalayan Mountains, and the state shares its borders with states such as Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Jammu and Kashmir share an international border with China in the north-eastern frontier, and the Line Of Control separates it from Pakistan. Some of the best things to do in Jammu & Kashmir would definitely be to boat on the Dal Lake, take a biking tour to engage some marvellous treks across J&K. Above the elevation of the tree line, is found, meadows and northwestern alpine shrub of the Himalayas. The northeastern part of the state has a covering of the West Karakoram Plateau of Tibet's Alpine Steppe. Simply rock and ice, but no vegetation is found in the highest of the elevations. Amongst the best things to do in Jammu & Kashmir, we would definitely say the top one would be to nature-gaze at the valleys of Kashmir, for the amount of beauty it offers to the eye!