Apples are a very healthy popular fruit enjoyed by most people and are extremely versatile in our diets, both in nutritious fare, and comfort foods alike. It’s interesting that apple pie is a classic, traditional icon of American culture.
Most Americans are aware of the pioneer settler named John Chapman who came to be known as the famous Johnny Appleseed who was famous for traveling, planting apple trees and teach his mission of Swedenborgian religion wherever he went.
There was another less famous pioneer settler of Washington State named Hiram F. Smith, otherwise known as "Okanogan” Smith who was the first white settler of Okanogan County. He planted apple orchards, pear trees and many other agricultural products that were foreign and new to the area. The image in this article is one of the trees he planted in his orchard in Oroville Washington, one of the first apple trees planted in the state and is still producing fruit even though the tree is over 100 years old at this writing.
As a child growing up in apple orchard country, I realize now as an adult some of our experiences were unique to other children growing up in other parts of the state. For instance, in school we were released and the school closed for 2 weeks every fall for “apple harvest”. This was a time that a large majority of the children picked apples for the orchard owners and earned some extra money. Many were lucky if they could pick one bin a day, and for the kids it was usually both hard but great fun. There were the apple fights, enjoying the gorgeous fall days in the sunshine, and of course the thrill of not being in school. Of course at that time I thought “apple harvest” was another word for a school holiday that every child got.
According to " U.S. Apple Association " there is a National Apple Month, which in actuality is 3 months, September to November every fall.
“National Apple Month has two major components.
Retail components of the program involve fall display contests for retailers and military commissaries, in which retailers can vie for cash prizes by submitting details on store displays that meet the judging criteria. Additionally, an Apple Merchandiser of the Year is crowned for outstanding merchandising of apples and apple products throughout the year.
Foodservice utilizes the media and direct outreach to connect with various segments of the industry, communicating pertinent information regarding menus applications, value of the apple and apple products and current product information. Foodservice operators are chosen for recognition based on the use of apples and apple products in menus throughout the year.”
Some common uses of apples and some of the best varieties for those purposes are as follows:
Applesauce
- Rome Beauty
- Golden Delicious
- Winesap
- Jonathan
Apple Pies and Other Baked Goods
- Rome Beauty
- Golden Delicious
- Winesap
- Jonathan
Freezing
- Golden Delicious
- Red Delicious
- Winesap
- Jonathan
Apple Cider
The best apple cider is usually made from a blend of several different types of apple varieties combined. Of course the lists above are not the only varieties that will work.
Don’t forget the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. There is almost nothing better than a fresh, cold, crisp apple, grab one today.
Valerie Garner - Hi, I'm Valerie a midlife lady who loves to learn new things, photography, reading, writing, and drinking coffee with friends. I've ...
