October is the perfect time to celebrate apples. Why? It’s National Apple Month. This annual observance promotes American apples through consumer education and community events.
Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the United States. They come in various shades of red, green, and yellow. The many varieties range in size, too – from no bigger than a cherry to as large as a grapefruit.
Apples are perfect for snacking, baking, and making applesauce. They taste great chopped up in salads. They’re often overlooked as a superfood because they’re so plentiful. But don’t let that fool you – apples are powerhouses of nutrition.
Today, we’re celebrating National Apple Month. We’ll look at its history, goals, and promotions. We’ll touch on apple varieties and the fruit’s health benefits. And we’ll learn some fun facts, too.
So grab an apple and join the celebration!
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National Apple Month History
National Apple Month is an initiative of the United States Apple Association (USApple). This nonprofit trade organization is “the voice of the apple industry” in America.
USApple’s membership represents all segments of the country’s apple industry. That includes apple growers, packers, shippers, processors, marketers, retailers, and educators.
USApple lobbies for the industry on national matters related to apples and apple products. It promotes education and awareness through media campaigns and retail displays.
National Apple Month began as National Apple Week in 1904. Over time, the week-long event became a month-long celebration with three main goals.
![October Is the Perfect Time to Celebrate Apples [National Apple Month]](https://savoringhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/national-apple-month-02.jpg)
National Apple Month Goals
What is the purpose of National Apple Month? Through consumer education and national events, the United States Apple Association aims to:
- increase apple sales,
- encourage apple use, and
- promote apple health benefits.
To meet their goals, USApple publishes educational material on its website. It sponsors grocery store display contests. And it selects and recognizes “Apple Merchandiser of the Year.”
USApple also funds the Apples4Ed program, which awards grant funding for public schools. In 2020, five schools will receive a $5,000 grant to support healthy snacking initiatives.
Are you a parent of children in grades K through 12? Or you a school principal, teacher, or student? Do you want to help kids practice better snacking habits? Submit your school for grant funding consideration.
This year’s submission period starts now, in October 2022. The application deadline is January 25, 2023. USApple will select and announce the winners in April 2023.
Popular American Apple Varieties
“More than 100 [commercial] apple varieties are grown in the United States,” said USApple. Would it surprise you to learn that only 15 varieties make up 90 percent of the total production?
According to USApple, here are the most popular American apples in 2022. In alphabetical order. Is YOUR favorite apple on the list, or do you prefer a different variety?
![October Is the Perfect Time to Celebrate Apples [National Apple Month]](https://savoringhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/national-apple-month-03-e1664477124587.jpg)
- Empire
- Fuji
- Gala
- Golden Delicious
- Granny Smith
- Honeycrisp
- McIntosh
- Pink Lady
- Red Delicious
Which apple is the most popular one? Red Delicious? Good guess, but you’re wrong. Although Red Delicious is the most recognized apple, it’s not at the top of the list.
For more than five decades, Red Delicious reigned supreme. But in 2018, the Gala apple took America by storm with its vibrant color and semi-sweet taste. It’s a great snacking apple, and more Americans prefer it to other varieties.
By the way, I like Honeycrisp apples best.
Heirloom Apples and Modern Classics
Some gardeners grow heirloom apples in small orchards or backyards. Heirlooms are popular in niche markets. Farmers markets, pick-your-own farms, and roadside stands.
For more on heirloom apples, read Apples of North America by Tom Burford. This award-winning book describes “exceptional varieties for gardeners, growers, and cooks.”
Professional gardener Peter Hatch called it “the definitive work on our national fruit.” Robert Swain, who hosted The Victory Garden, called it “a guide for the beginner and a master class for the expert.”
If you’re a fruit lover from the south, you might enjoy Old Southern Apples by Lee Calhoun. This book became an instant classic when it first appeared in 1995, and now it’s back in print.
An Apple a Day
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? Some sources credit this saying to Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers.
But the phrase actually originated from an old English proverb of Welsh origin. Here’s the first English version: “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.”
Click here for more apple quotes. And to help you appreciate how amazing “nature’s perfect snack” is, see these apple fun facts.
Apple Nutrients and Health Benefits
As mentioned, the apple is one of nature’s best superfoods. Juicy packages of fiber and antioxidants. They pack quite the nutrition punch.
Apples are not a cure-all for what ails you, but their nutrients have many health benefits. They may reduce your risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
Apple nutrients also have a positive effect on blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They may also help age-related conditions. Bone loss, vision problems, Alzheimer’s behavior.
Your health is one of your most valuable assets, and apples are good for your health. What better reason to celebrate National Apple Month? ◻️
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![October Is the Perfect Time to Celebrate Apples [National Apple Month]](https://savoringhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/national-apple-month-04.jpg)
Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. What is your favorite apple variety? If you cook or bake with fruit, what’s your go-to apple recipe?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
📋 NOTE – You are reading “October Is the Perfect Time to Celebrate Apples.” An earlier version appeared on Blogger in 2016. It has been updated for the Savoring Home community.
Thank you for the comment, Morris – and the link, too. That’s a good list of nutrient-rich superfoods.
Nice observance day for apples and illustrations of fruit. Where can I get an apron for pick your own apples? Also, fun apple crafts.
Thank you, Alexis. I’m working on an article about apple picking bags and aprons. I’ll post a link when it’s done.