Here's why:
* Fruit: The fruit is the part of the apple that is eaten and enjoyed. Breeders focus on traits within the fruit, such as sweetness, juiciness, texture, color, and size.
* Flesh: The flesh is the edible part of the fruit. Breeders strive to create apples with desirable flavor profiles, textures (crisp vs. soft), and colors.
* Seeds: While the seeds are technically not consumed, they carry the genetic material for the next generation of apple trees. Breeders select for traits that are passed down through the seeds, ensuring the desired characteristics are preserved and potentially enhanced.
It's important to note that the leaves, stem, and branches of an apple tree are not directly selected for in breeding programs.
