30 Interesting Facts About Apples

Apples are part of the rose family, just like pears and plums. The apple tree originated in Central Asia. They have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe and were brought to North America by European colonists. There are more than 8,000 varieties of apples the largest variety of fruit to exist. Apple is one of the most widely grown tree fruit.

Apple trees take 4 to 5 years to produce their first fruit. Apple trees are deciduous and have a period of dormancy followed by a flurry of activity in spring. Apples are also said to symbolize health, love and fertility. Apple blossoms are a symbol of feminine beauty. Apples were popular in ancient Greece and Rome and were a sign of opulence.

In Norse mythology, the goddess of youth, Idun was believed to grow magic apples that kept the gods youthful. In Chinese culture, the word for apples is pronounced as ‘ping’ which also stands for peace. This is why apples are a popular gift to give when visiting someone in China.

There is a classic story that Sir Isaac Newton came up with his law of gravity when an apple fell on his head. The most famous saying involving apples is, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” The fear of apples is known as Malusdomesticaphobia.

1.    Apple trees belong to the Rosaceae family and are scientifically known as Malus domestica.

2.    Apples are one of the world's most widely cultivated and consumed fruits.

3.    The fruit is typically round or oval in shape and varies in colour, including shades of red, green, and yellow.

4.    There are thousands of apple varieties, each with its own flavour, texture, and characteristics.

5.    Apples are grown in temperate regions around the world and require a period of winter chilling for proper fruit development.

6.    The skin of apples is thin and edible, providing a good source of dietary fiber.

7.    Apples are rich in antioxidants, especially flavonoids, which have been associated with various health benefits.

8.    The flesh of apples is juicy and crisp, with a slightly sweet or tart taste depending on the variety.

9.    Apples are a good vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber source.

10.  Apple trees usually start producing fruit when they are around four to five years old.

11.  Apple trees can live for several decades, with some varieties lasting over a hundred years.

12.  Apples can be consumed fresh, juiced, cooked, or used in various culinary preparations such as pies, sauces, and jams.

13.  Apple orchards are commonly found in regions with cool climates, such as the United States, China, and Europe.

14.  The largest apple-producing country in the world is China, followed by the United States and India.

15.  Apple trees require cross-pollination by bees or other insects to produce fruit.

16.  The apple blossom appears in spring and is the official state flower of Michigan and Arkansas in the United States.

17.  Apples can be stored for a relatively long time compared to many other fruits, thanks to their ability to go into dormancy.

18.  Apple cider, made from pressed apples, is a popular beverage in many countries, particularly during the fall season.

19.  Apple seeds contain a small amount of amygdalin, a compound that releases cyanide when chewed or crushed. However, the amount is generally too small to be harmful.

20.  The phrase "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is a well-known saying that reflects the health benefits associated with apple consumption.

21.  The average apple contains about 25 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of dietary fiber.

22.  Red and green apples differ not only in colour but also in taste and texture. Red apples tend to be sweeter, while green apples are typically tart and have firmer flesh.

23.  Apple trees can be grown from seeds, but the resulting trees may not produce apples that resemble the parent tree.

24.  Apple peels contain higher concentrations of antioxidants compared to the flesh.

25.  Apple trees can bloom in late spring, producing beautiful flowers before fruit development.

26.  The apple industry plays a significant role in the economy of many regions, generating employment and revenue.

27.  Apple trees require well-drained soil and a moderate amount of sunlight to thrive.

28.  The crabapple is a close relative of the cultivated apple and is often used in landscaping due to its ornamental flowers.

29.  Apple trees can produce fruit for several months, depending on the variety and climate.

30.  The process of grafting is commonly used in apple tree cultivation to propagate specific varieties and maintain desirable characteristics.

The largest apple picked weighed three pounds. Europeans eat about 46 pounds of apples annually. The average size of a United States orchard is 50 acres many growers use dwarf apple trees. Charred apples have been found in prehistoric dwellings in Switzerland.

Most apple blossoms are pink when they open but gradually fade to white some apple trees will grow over 40 feet high and live over 100 years. Most apples can be grown farther north than most other fruits, because they blossom late in spring, minimizing frost damage. It takes the energy from 50 leaves to produce one apple.

Apples are the second most valuable fruit grown in the United States. Oranges are first. The largest U. S. apple crop was 277.3 million cartons in 1998.

Apples have 5 seed pockets or carpels each pocket contains seeds. The number of seeds per carpel is determined by the vigour and health of the plant. Different varieties of apples will have different numbers of seeds. The world's top apple producers are China, the United States, Turkey, Poland and Italy.

In 1730, the first apple nursery was opened in Flushing, New York one of George Washington's hobbies was pruning his apple trees. America's longest-lived apple tree was reportedly planted in 1647 by Peter Stuyvesant in his Manhattan orchard and was still bearing fruit when a derailed train struck it in 1866.