We recommend Have an Apple a Day Or Face the Consequences!
The fruit of Eden’s tree of knowledge may very well have been the apple. Eve is never pictured holding up an orange, tomato or banana. Indeed, the apple was with us at the very beginning of time. The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the rose family Rosaceae. In Latin, the words for “apple” and for “evil” are similar in the singular (malus-apple, malum-evil) and identical in the plural (mala). The larynx in the human throat has been called Adam’s apple because of a notion that it was caused by the forbidden fruit sticking in the throat of Adam. Is this fruit forbidden? Why the bad reputation? Should we have this fruit banned? Obviously we had better stop eating and enjoying this decadent item.
The world production of apples is 40 millions tons. The United States produced 10 billion pounds of apples in 2006, more than 1/2 were grown in Washington state. China is now the world’s largest apple producer, followed by the United States in second place. Americans eat on average 19.6 pounds of fresh apples annually while residents in European countries consume 46 pounds annually. 2500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States alone. Archeologists have found evidence that humans have been enjoying apples since at least 6500 B.C. 7500 varieties of apples are grown throughout the world. No less a man than George Washington loved to spend time at Mt. Vernon pruning his apple trees. Is everybody wrong? Did we not get the message?
On the contrary, from ancient times all the way to our modern societies, apples have always enjoyed an outstanding reputation. The very simple reason for this continued popularity is the outstanding taste and the proven medical benefits associated with the eating of apples. Greeks living in biblical times believed the apple healed all disorders. Roman court physician Galen prescribed apple wine for almost every ailment. Scientists at Yale University have discovered that the scent of spiced apples can lower blood pressure. Apples are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free. A medium apple has only 80 calories. Apples are a great source of the fiber pectin. One apple has five grams of fiber. The peel of the apple has antioxidents which help reduce damage to cells thereby reducing disease. Research suggests that apples may reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Compared to many other fruits and vegetables, apples contain relatively low amounts of Vitamin C as well as a several of other antioxidant compounds. The fiber content, while less than in most other fruits, helps regulate bowel movements and may thus reduce the risk of colon cancer. They may also help with heart disease, weight loss, and controlling cholesterol. Apples reduce cholesterol by preventing reabsorption, and are bulky for their caloric content like most fruits and vegetables. There is evidence that in vitro, apples possess phenolic compounds which may be cancer-protective and demonstrate antioxidant activity. The predominant phenolic phytochemicals in apples are quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2.
Obviously this is one super fruit! Healthy and tasty to boot. When the first colonists migrated to North America, they brought apple seeds with them. The first recorded planting was in 1629 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The apple variety “Red Delicious” is the most widely grown in the United States with 62 million bushels harvested in 2007. As we head into the fall months, apple production will begin in earnest. October is National Apple Month. I suggest we make a commitment to always have an apple in the house. Put down the sweets, chips, and junk food. If you want to be healthy, feel healthy, and enjoy extraordinary taste, you had better have some apples on the table.
I am the editor of a website devoted to all aspects of food and the creation of great food. You can find recipes, articles, cooking terms, and numerous other food related topics by directing yourself to my website, http://www.foodcreate.com
