Apples are one of the most beloved fruits around the world. With over 7,500 varieties grown, this crunchy fruit has stood the test of time as a snack and ingredient.
From its nutritional benefits to some interesting tidbits, here are 18 fun facts about apples to sink your teeth into:
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1. Apples Keep The Doctor Away
The old adage rings true. Apples are packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, fiber and potassium. These support immune function and reduce risk for chronic illnesses. An average apple provides 9-11% of your daily vitamin C needs.
2. Pioneering Fruit Trees Live Over 200 Years
The oldest living apple tree is over 275 years old! Planted in 1725, the tree sits on private property in Vancouver, Canada. It still produces a small crop of apples each year.
3. America Is The 2nd Largest Apple Producer
While China takes the apple pie, the United States comes in second for apple production worldwide. The major producers include Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania and California.
4. It Takes An Orchard To Make An Apple
Talk about teamwork! Each apple contains about five seeds and is made up of 25% air. Over 50 leaves on the tree are required to produce the nutrients and sugars to create just one apple.
5. Washington State Leads U.S. Production
Washington State accounts for almost two-thirds of U.S. apples. With its hot summers and cool winters, Washington offers an ideal climate for apple growth.
6. An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away
This age-old saying has real science behind it. The antioxidants, fiber and vitamins in apples support heart health, weight loss, gut health and inflammation management. Studies show an apple a day really can reduce trips to the doctor.
7. Apple Seeds Contain Cyanide
While the flesh is perfectly healthy, apple seeds actually contain a form of cyanide, called amygdalin. Fortunately, you’d need to eat a lot of apple seeds for them to be dangerous. So feel free to discard the seeds and stick to the good stuff!
8. Apples Are Part Of The Rose Family
It may seem strange, but apples are actually related to roses. They belong to the larger rose or rosacea family. Other culinary products in this family include pears, plums, cherries, peaches, raspberries and almonds.
9. China Produces 50% Of The World’s Apples
China leads global apple production by a landslide with over 41 million tons grown per year. That represents close to 50% of total world production. The United States comes in at second place with just 5.7 million tons yearly.
10. September To November Is Peak Apple Picking
When exactly apple picking season falls depends slightly on the variety and region. But across most apple growing regions, September to November is peak harvest season. Check your local orchards for exact timing!
11. Crunch Time: Americans Eat 19 Pounds Per Year
The average American consumes about 19 pounds of fresh apples plus an additional 17 pounds of processed apples per year. On average that’s about one fresh apple a week.
12. It Takes 36 Apples To Make One Gallon Of Apple Cider
That fresh pressed cider is made from concentrated apples! The average gallon of apple cider is squeezed from 36 pounds or roughly 36 apples.
13. Apple Skin Packs Most Of The Nutrients
While the entire apple is healthy, over half of the fiber and antioxidants are found within the peel. So keep the skin on to get the biggest nutrient boost! Popular types of apple skin include smooth, rough, glossy, matte, and dull.
14. Dehydrated Apple Rings Were Created To Prevent Motion Sickness
Dried apple rings were developed in the early 1990s as a natural remedy for motion sickness. Today they make a convenient healthy snack without any added sugar.
15. Apples Support Heart Health
Thanks to their fiber and potassium content, apples help to reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure. Diets high in apples even correlate to a lower risk for cardiovascular disease.
16. Pectin Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
The pulp fibers in apples contain high amounts of pectin. Studies show pectin slows digestion, which prevents blood sugar spikes and promotes lasting energy. Apples are considered a low glycemic index food.
17. Apples Provide Immune Support
That vitamin C content isn’t just for show! Getting enough vitamin C is crucial for immune function. The antioxidants in apple skin also combat inflammation and prevent disease promoting free radicals.
18. It’s America’s Favorite Fruit
It will come as no surprise that apples rank as America’s #1 fruit crop. They surpass bananas, oranges and grapes in terms of pounds produced and consumed. From baked goods to ciders, Americans love their apples!
So there you have it – 18 fun facts to inspire you to grab an apple (or two) a day. This diverse, hardy and delicious fruit continues blessing us with its crunchy sweetness. May the apple season continue!
