During the fall season, the apple truly hits its prime with delicious concoctions like apple cider, apple pie, caramel apples — and the list goes on. October marks National Apple Month, a dedication to the top-tier fruit that’s been around for nearly 10,000 years. But apples are more than just food — they’ve played a central role in several cultural contexts. This hasn’t all been positive though. Literary texts around the 16th century mention the apple as the Forbidden Fruit that Adam and Eve ate. Even Disney played a part in the apple’s bad rap with the Poisoned Apple in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. That being said, being an apple also has its pros. It’s considered the Fruit of Knowledge, a symbol of positivity, love, sensuality and fertility, and it also happens to be the logo and brand for one of the world’s largest tech giants (Apple).
Fun Facts About Apples
The science of apple growing is called pomology.
Apples are a member of the rose family.
2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States.
Apple juice was one of the earliest prescribed antidepressants.
An average apple tree produces 840 pounds of fruit in its lifetime.
The first American to orbit Earth, astronaut John Glenn, carried pureed applesauce in squeezable tubes.
The Gala apple is America’s favorite, followed by Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji and Honeycrisp.
If all this talk about apples has your mouth watering, maybe it’s time for a road trip. South Carolina boasts many apple orchards with fun activities for your family that can include hayrides, barnyard animals, bamboo forest and picnic areas. You can pick up some homemade preserves and fresh honey, too.
