Blogging for Apples – Fun Facts for National Apple Month

What was originally established as National Apple Week in 1904, was expanded to National Apple Month in 1996. The purpose is to increase apple industry sales, and to enhance consumer awareness and usage of apples and apple products. Sure, we all know that apples come in all shades of red, green and yellow, but there’s so much more to learn about the delicious and crunchy fruit.

National Apple Month Trivia

1. Apples are notable for their impressive list of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Studies suggest that its components are essential for optimal growth, development, and overall wellness.
2. With that being said, make sure you don’t peel your apple. Two-thirds of the fiber and lots of antioxidants are found in the peel. Antioxidants help to reduce damage to cells, which can trigger some diseases.
3. The apple is the most diverse food plant in the world. According to food journalist and apple expert Rowan Jacobsen, there used to be 16,000 types of apples in the U.S. alone. A current review of USDA data puts the variety diversity at 2,450 types. Throughout the world, 7,500 varieties of apples are grown.
4. The science of apple growing is called pomology.
5. Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit.
6. The largest apple picked weighed three pounds.
7. It takes the energy from 50 leaves to produce one apple.
8. Apples are the second most valuable fruit grown in the United States. Oranges are first.
9. Apples have five seed pockets or carpels. Each pocket contains seeds. The number of seeds per carpel is determined by the vigor and health of the plant. Different varieties of apples will have different number of seeds.
10. Apples ripen six to ten times faster at room temperature than if they were refrigerated.
11. The top apple producing states are Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California and Virginia.

If you’re looking for ways to recognize National Apple Month, check out Learning Liftoff’s editors picks of fun weekend activities.

Source: Apples and More