Living in Washington means that I could literally get exiled for not celebrating National Apple Day. It’s not on the law books or anything, but it’s pretty much an unspoken rule. I don’t know about you, but nothing says early fall to me like apple…well, apple everything. Canned, baked, sliced, you name it, I’m game.
Apple Facts to wow and/or annoy family, friends and co-workers:
Did you know that a bushel of apples weighs about 42 pounds? And a peck of apples weighs 10.5 pounds? So, that basically means, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck will get you 52.5 pounds of apple and a sore neck.
Apples are part of the rose family. Apple family reunions would also include pears, peaches, plums and cherries. The only apple tree native to North America is the crabapple–so the pilgrims planted their own apple trees in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. One average apple tree can produce about 20 bushels of apples each year–which is a darn good thing, because the average person eats about 65 apples per year.
Now what are you waiting for? Get out there and celebrate!
~Mavis
Check out 16 Amazing Apple Recipes for Fall
Andrea D says
I am lucky enough to live next door to my in-laws who have a good size orchard with apples, peaches, plums, & cherries. Last year (summer 2015) we had a banner year- I think the kids and I picked well over 200 lbs of apples (and lots of peaches, plums & cherries, too). Plenty of applesauce, pie filling & dried apples to last the winter & share with friends. Sadly, this year because of the wonky east coast weather, with mild winter temps and a late spring frost- we got nothing from the orchard. (well, there were a few peaches my in-laws picked to eat & make a pie, but none to spare for putting up). Thankfully, because of last years bumper crop I still have quite a bit in the pantry. But, you know what? I can’t stand apples. Even though I put up apples every year for my kids & to share. I can tolerate them fresh, but anything cooked or juiced- no thank you. I probably eat no more than one apple per year; apparently I am not average. Ha!