Apples, just like plums and pears, are a part of the rose family. The first apple tree was grown in Central Asia. Apple trees have been growing in Asia and Europe for thousands of years. Later, they were brought to North America by European colonists.
Now, there are more than 8,000 varieties of apples – the largest variety of fruits in this world. Want to know more interesting facts like this? Read on!
1. Producing Apples Takes Time
If you think apples trees can start producing fruit in some months, then sorry to burst your bubble, but apple trees can take four to ten years to produce their first fruit.
2. Contains No Fat
Apple is one of the healthy fruits that doesn’t contain any fat, cholesterol, or sodium. And on top of everything, apples are an excellent source of fiber.
3. Apple Grows in All 50 States
Apple is one of the fruits that is grown in all 50 states of America. However, on the commercial level, they are grown only in 36 states. The top apple producing states are Michigan, Virginia, New York, California, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
4. Second Most Valuable Fruit in the USA
Apples are the second most valuable fruit in the USA, while oranges on the lead here.
5. Americans Eat More Apples Per Capita than Any Other Fruit
According to USDA, an average American eats about 16 pounds of fresh apples and around 28 pounds of processed apples (in the form of cider, juice or sauce), making for a total of roughly 44 pounds of apples per person per year.
6. Forbidden Fruit of Eden
Apple is known as the supposed forbidden fruit of Eden. Although you might have heard this a lot, it is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible.
7. Boosts Mental Health
Apples are a rich source of boron that is known for stimulating electrical activity of the brain and increasing mental alertness.
8. The Secret behind Floating Apples
Ever wondered why apples float on water? Because they are 25% air!
9. The Most Expensive Apple
The priciest apple in the world is called the SekaiIchi apple, which means the world’s number one in Japanese. One such apple can cost you around $21.
10. The Largest Apple
The largest apple ever weighed 1.849 kilograms. It was grown and picked in Hirosaki City, Japan, by Chisato Iwasaki at his apple farm on October 24, 2005.
11. Apples Are a Popular Gift in China
The word apple in Chinese culture pronounces as “ping,” which also stands for peace. This is the reason why apples are one of the most popular gifts to give when visiting someone in china.
12. Ripe Rate of Apples
Apple ripens way faster (up to 10 times) at room temperature than if they were refrigerated.
13. Popular Apple Varieties Produced in the USA
The most popular varieties of apples grown in the USA include Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, McIntosh, Cripps Pink, Rome, and Empire.
14. Apples in the Space
When John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, went on his first-ever space flight, he carried along with him pureed applesauce in squeezable tubes.
15. The World’s Oldest Apple
The pale, lime green Lady Apple is known as one of the oldest varieties of apple. Interestingly, it is still available today. Originally, this variety was documented in early Rome (approximately 700 B.C.). It was first referred to as Lady Apple during the French Renaissance in the year 1628.
16. Native Apples
Before the European settlers brought with them their favorite apples, only sour ones were native to America.
17. World’s Largest Apple Peel
As you have read about the largest apple in the world, you might be surprised knowing that there is also a record for the world’s largest apple peel. It was created by Kathy Wafler Madison on October 16, 1976, in New York City. It was 172 feet 4 inches long. Kathy was only 16 years old when she made this record. Now, she is a sales manager for an apple tree nursery (Guinness World Records).
18. Apple Pie is Not an American Invention
If you think that apple pie is an American invention, then you are wrong. It is native to Europe. The first-ever apple pie recipe came in the 1300s from England. But the fun fact here is that you weren’t supposed to eat its crust.
Back then, during the 1300s, there was a lack of a decent tin or container. Therefore, a utensil made of lard, flour, and water was used to make an apple pie. However, it turned out that people started to like that crunchy crust.
19. Phobia of Eating Apples
Yes, such phobia exists, and it is known as Malusdomesticaphobia. This word is made from two words, ‘Malus’ and ‘domestica,’ which refer to the scientific terms for the orchard apple tree. This phobia is related to either eating apples or apples.
20. The Apples You Are Buying Could Be A Year or Months Old
But you don’t need to worry as it entirely safe to eat old apples. Farmers use controlled atmosphere storage, a sophisticated technology that allows them to control both temperature and atmosphere where apples are stored. This means they are delivered to you crisp and fresh.
21. Official Fruit of a State
Apple was designated as the official state fruit of Illinois on August 21, 2007. This apple is of a specific variety known as Goldrush. It is a sweet-tart yellow apple that has a long shelf life. In addition to that, Goldrush is also the official fruit of New York, Washington, Minnesota, and West Virginia.
22. Apples Take Energy from their Leaves
An apple takes energy from 50 leaves to grow.
We hope you liked these interesting facts about apples. For more information on apples, check out our “Complete Guide to the Types and Benefits of Apples.”