Think of all the ways apples have infiltrated our lives.  When we were little and we learned our ABC’s we learned that A is for APPLE. Doesn’t every good child take their teacher an apple to earn brownie points?

The colonists came to this country with apples.  Did you know that Thomas Jefferson and George Washington had apple orchards on their estates?

Johnnie Appleseed helped to spread apple seeds to the settlers moving West.  Imagine if we had never had a Johnnie Appleseed.

I believe there is a well loved computer, phone, ipad that uses the apple for its logo.

We associate apples with holidays like the Fourth of July.  We associate apples will the Fall Season–caramel apples, bobbing for apples, hot apple cider…and doesn’t every good boy and girl get an apple in their stocking for Christmas.  Apples are one of those fruits that you can find in the stores year round.

Did you know that apples are grown in 36 of our our 50 states?

Did you know there are over 7500 known varieties of apples but only 100 are grown here in the US.

Did you know that apples last 10 times longer if they are stored in the refrigerator?

I’m sure it does not surprise you that apples are the #1 consumed fruit in America.

And what about the sayings:

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

As American as Apple Pie.

Apple Pie and Chevrolet

One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.

Did you know certain apples are best for baking, or frying, others are best for making cider and others are better for a raw snack.  Tomorrow I will share the best uses for certain apples… and I will share my Homemade Apple Dumpling Recipe.

Here are a few of my other favorite apple recipes.

Apple Dip
Just the mention of it makes me want to run to the store and make up a batch.

Cheri’s Homemade Applesauce
We think it is so much better than store bought.

Cheri’s Cracker Barrel KNOCK OFF Fried Apples
So yummy with pork chops