It's hard to think of New England in the fall without thinking of apples. With Dover about to celebrate it's 31st Apple Harvest Day on October 3rd, I figured it would be a good time to take a closer look at these fruits that are, after all, as American as pie.

Jenne Holmes
Jenne Holmes
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1. A Rose By Any Other Name

The apple is a fruit, which which might seem a little obvious but did you know however that the apple is actually a member of the rose family? It is in the species Rosaceae or to be more accurate and for those of you that really want to impress your friends, Malus domestica .

2. Cut Me Quick!

During the prohibition era many apple trees that were suitable for their making hard cider were chopped down by their owners. After all it's better safe than sorry, right? In case you're wondering it takes about 36 apples to create one gallon of apple cider.

3. Produce Wars

It's easy to think in New England that apples are the most popular supermarket staple and whilst that's true in the Fall, throughout the rest of the year bananas win this produce war.

4. That Takes The Peel.

The world’s largest apple peel was created by Kathy Wafler Madison on October 16, 1976, in Rochester, N.Y. It was 172 feet 4 inches long. (She was 16 years old at the time, and grew up to be a sales manager for an apple tree nursery.) (Source: Guinness World Records)

5. It's a Science?

If you grow apples you are studying or participating in the art of pomology. Apples are grafted because when you plant an apple seed your are basically creating a new species of apple, as the apple seed does not produce the same plant as it's parent. Strange right? If you have a fear of apples you are suffering from Malusdomesticaphobia, and yes, you knew it had it just had to have a long name?

6. Measuring Up

Have you ever wonder how many pounds of apples were in a peck or in a bushel? I know I have! A peck of apples weighs 10.5 pounds. A bushel of apples weighs about 42 pounds. The peck and bushel originate from Scotland as a way of weighing dry goods, but nowadays apart from when talking about apples and clams are rarely used.

7. An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

Many in the health industry are beginning to think there maybe some truth to this old saying. After all when you consider that an average apples contain 5.5 grams of fiber with two-thirds of that fiber and lots of antioxidants being found in the peel. Apples contain flavonoids that lower cholesterol and help clear and relax arteries, making them a decidedly heart-healthy food. The average apple contains about 60 calories but no fat which also makes then a great diet food, as well as a healthy snack no matter what your age.

8. Variety, Variety, Variety

While there are more than 2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States, only the crabapple is native to North America.. According to Julie and Marc Grenier's that own Pineview Orchard (http://pinevieworchard.com/) in Berwick, the most popular apples varieties in New England are the Mcintosh followed closely by the Courtland varieties.

9. Busy Bees

One of the most crucial parts of growing apples is one that is often over looked: bees According to the Grenier's you can rent bee hives that will pollinate the trees, I now who knew, right? Without the bees there would be no apples and that in turn would equal no apple pies and that by anyone's standards would be a national tragedy.

10. Pick Me, Pick Me!

This apple picking season in New England last from between six to eight weeks depending on the variety of apples grown. Each tree takes from four to five years before it will bear fruit and the Spring is the most important time in a apples development. Too much water or not enough can have a dramatic effect on the crop. The first American orchard was planted on Beacon Hill in 1632.

Jenne Holmes
Jenne Holmes
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This years harvest has been a great one, so why not grab the family and go discover your local orchard. If you are looking for a specific variety then this website will come in very handy. Just type in the variety and your zip code and hey presto it will tell you where to go.

You can find more articles and local coverage from Jenne Holmes SomersworthNow.com.

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