Apples: Feed's All You Need Guide

Apples are one of the most popular fruits enjoyed all around the world. With their wonderfully crunchy texture and sweet flavor, this fruit makes for the perfect treat to enjoy alone or cooked into a dessert, pastry, or other dishes! Whether you’re a fan of Gala apples or Red Delicious apples or aren’t sure exactly what type of apple you prefer, we’ve got you covered. For today’s Pop All You Need Guide, we wanted to take some time to discuss apples: where they came from, some fun facts, the different types of apples available on the market, and how you can use them to make some delicious breakfast, snacks, and desserts. So join us as we discover the wonderful world all about apples!

History of Apples:

If you’re like most people, likely you’re not familiar with the origins of the apple fruit. Interestingly enough, the apple we know and love aren’t native to the North American continent at all. In contrast, crabapples (apples existed already throughout the continent, the apple we’re familiar with originated in Kazakhstan and were only introduced to the European continent by 1500 BC. The popularity of this fruit grew quite quickly, though, as Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans began cultivating apples by 200 BC, Ancient Romans began planting apple orchards in Britain, which then moved into the Americas during the days of the U.S. Colonies. 

If you’re familiar with American history, you may be familiar with the name John Chapman (or Johnny Appleseed). Well, John Chapman, a nurseryman during the early 1800s, planted acres upon acres of apple orchards throughout the western frontier. These apples were notably different from those we enjoy today as fruit; rather, the apples John Chapman grew were made specifically for making hard apple cider (America’s beverage of choice at the time, according to the Smithsonian). While many of his orchards died after his passing, we can thank Chapman for varieties like the Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, and more, as his efforts helped to cultivate the hardy American apples we know and love today.

How Healthy are Apples for You?

Likely you’ve heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but how accurate is that statement truly? Apples are noted to be one of the healthiest fruits available, with many health benefits that many attributes to helping “keep the doctor away.” For instance, WebMD notes that apples contain high levels of fiber, helping to slow digestion and keep you from overeating. Additionally, fiber can help lessen the onset of acid reflux and can even help protect against blood vessels and heart damage, keeping your heart healthier for much longer! Harvard notes that apples are rich in flavonoids, a naturally occurring chemical in plants with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When eating apples, these chemicals can help ward away free radical buildup in the body, which, in turn, can help lower the risk of several diseases and conditions. 

It is noted that eating whole apples (including the skin) will provide the best health benefits for your body, so make sure to eat apples unpeeled for optimal impact. While many recipes ask to remove the apple's skin, the skin contains most of the fiber and flavonoids your body needs to receive the most benefit. While this fruit is noted to be on the list of the dirty dozen fruits with the highest levels of pesticide residue on their skin, washing your apples well or even opting for organically grown apples can help you avoid this. 

Fun Apple Facts:

Apple Holler Orchard notes that apple trees take at least four to five years to produce their first fruit! Additionally, there are more than 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the United States today.

According to the University of Illinois, apples are actually a member of the rose family and are related to almonds and peaches as well!

According to Statista, 15.75lbs of apples were consumed per capita within the 2021/22 year!

Different Types of Apples:

Now that we’ve discussed the history of apples and some of the health benefits eating apples regularly can provide you, it’s time to look into the multitude of apples available on the market today. Since there are over 2,500 different varieties available globally, we’ve decided to keep it short and look at some of the popular varieties you can find at your local grocery store or farmers market. Here are a few:

Red Delicious Apples:

The most well-known apple variety on the market, the Red Delicious apple, is a medium-sized heart-shaped fruit with a dark crimson-colored outer skin. This apple variety has a sweet but mild flavor and a nice crunch when you bite it. It originates from Iowa, and can be found in supermarkets, grocery stores, and many farmers' markets year-round! Red Delicious apples are the perfect choice for salads, apple crisps, candy apples, and so much more. For instance, if you’re looking for a sweet treat to make this holiday season, this Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the perfect dessert option that makes a dessert your guests will reach for seconds and thirds of. Additionally, for a more savory option, this classic Apple Walnut Salad is a light lunch option perfect in between all of the heavy holiday meals!

Gala Apples:

Another quite famous apple variety is the Gala apple. This fruit has a mild yet sweet flavor with a hint of vanilla and is much easier to eat than its Red Delicious apple cousin. This apple is also a great option to use when creating baked goods, drinks, salads, and sauces, and it makes for the perfect snack for any meal of the day! Gala apples are initially from New Zealand and are available year-round at your local grocery store. If you’re looking to bake or cook with Gala apples, there are many options out there for you to explore. For instance, Gala apples make for the perfect apple variety for this Apple Cobbler, this Apple Cinnamon Bread, and this Slow Cooked Apple Butter!

Honeycrisp Apples:

One of the much more recently created varieties of apples available, the Honeycrisp apple was cultivated in the 1990s but has become a staple in the fruit world today. Fun fact: this apple variety was created at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis - St. Paul, uniquely enough. Its bright, juicy, and sweet flavor makes for a perfect choice for both a snack and a baking option, and its yellow and red skin makes it stand out from the rest! These apples are typically available from September to May, making them great apples for pies and other desserts during the fall and winter seasons. When it comes to cooking and baking, Honeycrisp apples don’t disappoint! Try this light and mouthwatering Apple Cake, these yummy Apple Fritters, or these Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings for your next delicious dessert.

Granny Smith Apples:

Finally, we reach the sour option on our list, the Granny smith apple. This tart apple is characterized by its light green peel, sour taste, and firm crunch and makes for the perfect option for baking, salads, creating beverages and sauces, and even snacking on (if you like the tartness, of course). This apple is available year-round in grocery stores and farmers markets and is originally from Australia but is enjoyed by many worldwide. There is an abundance of ways to enjoy Grannysmith apples - try this Granny Smith Apple Pie recipe for the perfect dessert for the holiday season. If you’re more in the mood for something a bit more savory, this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is a great option to serve as an appetizer or a lunch option to help warm you and your loved ones during these cold winter months.

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