National Eat An Apple Day

Happy-faced young woman biting into a crisp apple, wearing a cozy sweater, autumn colors, apple orchard backdrop.. — National eat an apple day illustration

Welcome to the delightful world of National Eat an Apple Day! It's a day dedicated to the crunchy, juicy, and all-around fantastic fruit: the apple. So grab your favorite variety, whether it's a sweet Honeycrisp or a tart Granny Smith, and get ready to chomp down on this scrumptious celebration!

When is Eat An Apple Day?

It's national eat an apple day on the 17th September.

The History of National Eat an Apple Day

While the origins of National Eat an Apple Day may be as mysterious as Snow White's poisoned apple, its purpose is crystal clear - to encourage people to eat more apples! This delectable holiday first gained traction in 2016 when it received a whopping 151 online mentions. The peak buzz occurred on September 17th of that year, presumably when apple enthusiasts around the world gathered to sink their teeth into this juicy event.

Apples have a long and storied history. They've been featured in countless legends, from the tempting fruit that led to Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden to the apple that allegedly bonked Sir Isaac Newton on the head, inspiring his theory of gravity. Apples have also played a significant role in folklore, often symbolizing love, beauty, and knowledge. So, it's no wonder why we dedicate a whole day to celebrate their deliciousness!

How to Celebrate National Eat an Apple Day

Participating in National Eat an Apple Day couldn't be easier! Here are a few fun and fruity ways to celebrate:

Head to your local grocery store or farmer's market and pick out a variety of apples that tickle your taste buds. Whether you prefer crisp and sweet or tangy and tart, there's an apple for everyone's palate.
Challenge your friends to an apple-eating contest. Who can take the biggest bite? Who can finish an apple the fastest? It's a healthy and hilarious competition that will surely leave everyone smiling.
Get creative in the kitchen and whip up some apple-inspired dishes. From classic apple pies and apple crisps to savory apple-stuffed pork chops, the possibilities are endless. Just remember to bring out your inner chef and savor the flavors of this magnificent fruit.

Did You Know?

Did you know that there are over 7,500 varieties of apples grown worldwide? That's right, apples come in all shapes, colors, and tastes. From the sweet and aromatic Pink Lady to the quirky and knobby Knobbed Russet, each variety brings its own unique flavors to the table.

History behind the term 'Eat An Apple'

1800 BC

Ancient Origins

Eating apples can be traced back to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia around 1800 BC. The apple was considered a symbol of fertility and abundance, and its consumption was often associated with rituals and offerings to the gods. Apples were also viewed as a source of health and vitality, with ancient Greek and Roman physicians recommending them for various ailments.

3000 BCE

Ancient Beginnings

The history of the term 'eat an apple' can be traced back to around 3000 BCE, during the ancient times. Apples have been cultivated for thousands of years and are one of the oldest fruits known to mankind. In ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, apples were valued for their sweetness and considered a symbol of fertility and immortality.

9th Century

Spread of Apple Orchards

In the 9th century, the cultivation of apple orchards began to spread throughout Europe. This expansion was largely due to the efforts of monasteries, which played a significant role in preserving and cultivating fruit trees. Monks recognized the nutritional value of apples and actively propagated different apple varieties, contributing to their increasing popularity as a food source.

700 BCE

Greek Mythology

Greek mythology played a significant role in popularizing the term 'eat an apple'. In Greek mythology, the apple was associated with the goddess of discord, Eris. According to the story, Eris threw a golden apple labeled 'For the most beautiful' at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, which sparked a beauty competition among the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. This event eventually led to the Trojan War, making the apple a symbol of discord and judgment.

17th Century

Apple's Journey to America

Apples made their way to America in the 17th century when English settlers brought apple seeds and saplings to the New World. The colonists discovered that apple trees thrived in the favorable climate of North America, leading to the establishment of orchards across the continent. Apples became a staple food for early American settlers and were used in a variety of culinary preparations.

17th Century

Biblical Reference

During the 17th century, the term 'eat an apple' gained religious connotations. In the Bible, the apple was traditionally associated with the forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden. Although the Bible does not specifically mention an apple, it has become a widely accepted symbol for the fruit Adam and Eve ate, leading to their expulsion from paradise. As a result, 'eat an apple' became a metaphor for temptation and sin.

19th Century

Proverbial Expression

The 19th century saw the term 'eat an apple' become a popular proverbial expression. In many cultures, especially English-speaking ones, the phrase 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' emerged as a common saying. This expression highlights the perceived health benefits of consuming apples regularly. The saying contributed to 'eat an apple' becoming synonymous with the idea of maintaining good health by eating nutritious foods.

19th Century

Johnny Appleseed and the Apple Boom

The 19th century witnessed a surge in apple cultivation and consumption thanks to the efforts of John Chapman, popularly known as Johnny Appleseed. Chapman traveled extensively across the United States, planting apple nurseries and establishing orchards. His efforts significantly contributed to the widespread availability of apples, making them a common and affordable fruit for many Americans.

20th Century

Nutritional Benefits and Modern Popularity

In the 20th century, scientific research shed light on the numerous nutritional benefits of apples. Apples were found to be a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are essential for maintaining good health. This knowledge, coupled with apple-related marketing campaigns and the development of new apple varieties, further bolstered the popularity of apples as a healthy snack and ingredient in various dishes.

20th Century

Advertising Campaigns

In the 20th century, the term 'eat an apple' gained further visibility through advertising campaigns. Various apple growers and organizations promoted the consumption of apples through catchy slogans and advertisements. One notable example is the 'Got Milk?' campaign by the California Apple Commission, which encouraged people to enjoy apples as a nutritious and delicious snack. These campaigns reinforced the positive association of 'eat an apple' with health and well-being.