10 Amazing Facts About Apples

As the autumn season comes this way, we wouldn't miss seeing apple trees in bloom. Once again, it is this time of the year when the perfectly sweet scent of apples in the air tickles our senses. Apples are considered one of the most favourited fruits of people from all over the world. Why don't we learn some interesting facts about this naturally healthy and delicious fruit?

Here is a list of 10 amazing things about apples.

#1 Where did apples come from?

The Malus sirversii is known as the ancestor of modern apple. It is a wild apple native to the mountains of Kazakhstan in Central Asia. Its fruits can be in between 3-5cm in diameter, though it can be as big as 7 cm. It easily grows in most fertile soils and is a good source of food for wildlife.

#2 How many kinds of apples are there?

There are 7,500 varieties of apples that are grown all over the world. The most common variety is the Red Delicious. It was discovered by Jesse Hiatt on his farm in Iowa in 1880. It is heart-shaped, and it has bright red skin and tiny golden strips. Other popular varieties include Gala, Golden Delicious, Baldwin, Fuji, Granny Smith, McIntosh, Lady, Honey Crisp, and Cortland.

#3 Nutrition Facts

Apples are packed with fibre, Vitamin C, and antioxidants that prove to boost a healthy and balanced diet. Apples are also low in calories, making them an ideal food for those who want to lose weight. One raw, unpeeled, medium sized apple contains approximately 80 calories.

#4 Ancient Favourite

Archaeologists have found evidence that humans have been enjoying apples since 6,500 BC. Apples are the favourite fruits of ancient Greeks and Romans. No wonder goddesses in Greek mythology fought over an apple!

#5 Speaking of Ancient Greeks…

In ancient Greek tradition, throwing an apple is considered as a marriage proposal. A man throws an apple at their chosen lady, and if she catches it, she accepts the proposal. Queer, isn't it? Not just that! Historical records have shown that along with apple-throwing as a sign of love and admiration, apples were thrown at newlywed couples as a sign of wishing them good fortune.

#6 Apple vs Coffee

The sugar in apples has similar effects to caffeine. A regular sized apple contains 13 grams of natural sugar, which provokes a similar response to caffeine. However, unlike caffeine, these sugars are released slowly throughout the body, which means there will be no episodes of jolts, jitters or anxiety.

#7 Apple Floats

Apples can float in water. This is because it has less density than water. 25% of an apple's volume is made up of air. Objects more dense than water sink because they do not displace enough water to equal their weight.

#8 An apple a day…

You have probably heard of the cliche "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." But where did this saying come from? It was first recorded in Wales in the 1860s. The original words of this adage were: "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread."

#9 The Heaviest Apple

Ever wondered how heavy the heaviest apple ever picked was? According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the heaviest apple weighed 1.849 kg (4 lb 1 oz) and was grown and picked by Chisato Iwasaki at his apple farm in Hirosaki City, Japan October 24, 2005.

#10 Green Apple vs Red Apple

Both kinds of apples have their own nutritional benefits. However, the green variety is considered to be richer in fibre and contains less sugar as compared to red apples. On the other hand, red apples have more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits present in its skin. The difference between the two varieties is slim. Therefore, the most important thing is that we actually eat them along with other healthy fruits and vegetables to maintain our healthy diet.

Apples are not only scrumptious, they are also packed with vitamins and nutrients that our body needs to stay healthy. So why not make it a habit to have our apple a day?