Some Facts About Apples
Originating in central Asia, there are 75,000 varieties grown worldwide. If a person ate one a day, it would take more than 20 years to try every variety.
Some apple varieties have red flesh instead of white. Varieties such as Pink Pearl and Kissabel have flesh that ranges from pink or orange to bright red. Some of these apples are even yellow or green on the outside and red on the inside.
A real-life Granny Smith discovered the apple that now bears her name. Back in the late 1800s, Mary Ann Smith from Australia discovered the apple tree in her backyard and began cultivating the now-popular variety.
The Red Delicious apple tree was discovered in Iowa. It might be the most commonly known out of all the North America 2,500 varieties.
Crab apple trees are native to North America and Asia. They were once called common apples and actually belong to the rose family.
It took over 30 years to develop the Honeycrisp apple. This sweet, aromatic apple is grown in Minnesota, and has soared in popularity over the last decade. The Honeycrisp apple became a parent (along with the Enterprise apple) to the Cosmic Crisp. Breeding between the varieties began at Washington State University in 1997, and 20 years later, the Cosmic Crisp was born. It is characterized by its dark-red skin, dense firm flesh, and expanded shelf life. First available in 2019, it has become a favorite of consumers.
Did you know? It takes the energy from 50 leaves to produce one apple. And that one apple makes about 1/3 cup of apple juice.
The average American eats close to 20 pounds of fresh apples per year—and even more when factoring in applesauce, apple juice, and other apple products.
Sources: minnetonkaorchards.com/apple-facts; britannica.com/plant/crabapple; wikipedia.org/wik/Cosmic_Crisp
Recipe – Apple Oat Bran Muffins
Ingredients
1 ½ cups Golden Delicious apple(s), cut into chunks
¼ cup apple juice concentrate or water
1 cup smashed banana
¼ cup light honey or maple syrup
1 tsp. orange zest
¼ cup almond or cashew butter
1 cup quick oats
1 cup oat bran
⅓ cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
⅓ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
1 cup dates, finely chopped
Process
In a saucepan, lightly cook the apple chunks in apple juice or water until just wilted. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add next 4 ingredients and mix together. Add the oats, bran, coconut, nuts, and dates; stir to combine. Spoon into paper-lined or prepared muffin tin ¾ full. Bake at 375° F for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Makes approximately 8 muffins.