Did you that today is National Eat a Red Apple Day? Since the 1800s the Red Delicious variety has been the most popular apple throughout the world. Apples are grown year-round; however, they are in peak season during the fall and winter months. Since apples are now in season, they are more plentiful and less expensive to purchase. Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and contain various antioxidants. Apples have no fat, sodium, or cholesterol. Do not peel your apple as two-thirds of the fiber and antioxidants are found in the peel. Antioxidants help to reduce damage to cells, which can activate some diseases. Adults generally need approximately two cups of fruit per day. One small apple is considered as one cup. Remember to wash your apple under clean running tap water before you eat it. #EatARedAppleDay
Check out these facts about apples below.
Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit.
Apples are the second most valuable fruit grown in the United States. Oranges are first.
Europeans eat about 46 pounds of apples annually.
World’s top apple producers are China, United States, Turkey, Poland, and Italy.
The top apple producing states are Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, and Virginia.
One of George Washington’s hobbies was pruning his apple trees.
Many apples after harvesting and cleaning have commercial grade wax applied. Waxes are made from natural ingredients.
Most apples are still picked by hand in the fall.
There are approximately 2500 varieties of apples grown in the United States.
Apples are sometimes called “nature’s toothbrush,” Apples help clean the teeth and massage the gums.
The old saying, “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.” This saying comes from an old English proverb, “To eat an apple before going to bed, will make the doctor beg his bread.”
The science of apple growing is called pomology.
The pilgrims planted the first United States apple trees in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Shakera Williams, M.P.H.
Assistant FCS Nutrition Extension Agent – General & SNAP- ED
Webster/Claiborne Parish
sswilliams@agcenter.lsu.edu
References:
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/apples/facts.cfm
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