Even though apples are only the fourth most popular fruit in the U.S. — behind bananas, strawberries, and grapes — there is still a significant amount being consumed. The average American is estimated to eat approximately 25 pounds of apples per year.

There are also 2,500 different varieties grown in the United States, although only about 100 of those are sold commercially. Apples are grown in all 50 U.S. states but are only grown commercially in about 36 of them.

So no one should come to the conclusion that Americans don’t like apples. In fact, apples are so loved in the U.S. that October has been designated as National Apple Month.

The History of National Apple Month

Even though most people aren’t aware of it, National Apple Month has been an observance for well over 100 years. It was first created in Quincy, Illinois, by Captain James Handly in 1905.

It originally started off as National Apple Day but quickly became a month-long celebration. It was a month that brought growers, distributors, and apple lovers together to promote the apple to the general public. Nowadays, this month is supported and sponsored by the United States Apple Association.

Interesting Facts About Apples

Below are some interesting facts about apples that we think everyone will be interested in learning about. We know that we found the following facts to be a whole lot of fun and quite informative.

• Apples contain malic acid — a compound that can ease pain from gallstones and fibromyalgia.
• A bushel of apples weighs approximately 42 pounds.
• It can take apple trees anywhere from four to ten years to produce fruit.
• It’s been estimated that the average person eats approximately 66 apples a year.
• Apples contain 4 grams of fiber.
• A peck of apples weighs about 10.5 pounds.
• Apples are actually related to flowers and are members of the rose family.
• The real name of Johnny Appleseed was John Chapman.
• Johnny Appleseed planted apple trees to claim land as a homestead, then he sold that land to people.
• Apples are composed of 25% air. That’s why they float when put into water.

Observing National Apple Month

Obviously, the best way to celebrate National Apple Month is to use more apples. A surefire way to use more apples is to experiment with more apple recipes. Recipes such as Amish Apple Cake, Cabbage Salad with Apples, Fried Apples, Applesauce, Apple Cider, Apple Jack, and Apple Oatmeal. And that’s only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. People can also search the hashtag #NationalAppleMonth to discover even more apple-related recipes.