We celebrate Apple Tree Day on January 6 to honor the great tradition of growing and cultivating apples across North America. Introduced to the region by colonists in the 17th century, apple farming has been leading the fruit production industry in the U.S. for a century. From cider to pies, the apple is a greatly versatile fruit with tremendous health benefits and a mouthwatering taste. Although they don’t need any extra marketing, apples still deserve this annual recognition for being the quintessential American fruit, found in our homes throughout the year. So mull that cider and fill your homes with that sweet aroma as we come together to celebrate this great holiday.
History of Apple Tree Day
Apple Tree Day originally celebrated a two-century-old apple tree but as time passed and the day gained prominence outside of its region of origin, the holiday transformed into a celebration of apple cultivation and the fruit’s benefits.
Apple trees are rendered with great significance in our culture. Ancient mythology regards an apple tree as a sacred symbol of good health and prospective happiness. Apples are mentioned in the Celtic holy texts as the ‘Fruit of God’. Celtic mythology also highlights the healing properties of apples and the sense of wholeness they bring to the body. Similarly, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, shared a deep association with an apple tree, calling it the ‘Tree of Love’.
Americans, of course, cannot be separated from the need to bake an apple pie to mark a happy occasion. Apples are a great commercial export for the country as well, generating millions of dollars in revenue every year. Having easy access to/an excess of nature’s candy is a privilege not everyone can enjoy but thankfully, American orchards will produce apples abundantly for centuries to come.
The 21st-century depiction of apples has been somewhat tumultuous. From the fad diet culture to clamoring to eat one apple a day and nothing else, let’s come together on January 6 to establish all the true, scientific benefits of apples.
Apple Tree Day timeline
French Jesuits bring apple seeds to North America and spread them all across New England.
Reverend William Blaxton plants North America’s first apple orchard in Boston.
The founders of Wachovia spread through Southeast America and introduce apple plantations to Bethabara, Salem, and Bethania.
A United States apple nursery catalog markets to an international clientele and sells 350 of their best cultivars to European traders.
Apple Tree Day FAQs
When is apple harvest season in the U.S.?
Apples are harvested in September and October. The harvest season is preceded by the full blossom that takes place from April to July.
Who coined the phrase “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”?
Elizabeth Wright, a 20th-century linguist recorded Devonian folklore with the words that loosely translate to the phrase. A version of it has been part of the common vernacular since the 1860s, however, when a Welsh newspaper printed it in a rhythmic format.
Can apples help you lose weight?
Apples are packed with fiber and healthy flavonoids that help burn rigid belly fat. They are also rich in pectin fiber that promotes satiety. Hence, apples complement the process of burning fat, but they do not aid in direct weight loss.
Apple Tree Day Activities
Plant a sapling, aim for an orchard
Apple Tree Day honors the centuries-old tree that stood through sun and rain, and gave the people food and shelter. The best way to celebrate this day is to plant one of your own. It might take a decade, but sweet will be the fruit.
Have an apple-themed party
Invite your friends over for an afternoon filled with laughter, and of course, apples. Bake a pie, prepare an apple-themed charcuterie board, and end the evening with chilled apple sangria.
Book a health check-up
I know apples keep the doctor away, but really, when was the last time you went for a check-up? January 6 is the perfect day to book an appointment for your regular heart, liver, and kidney screenings — all in the name of apples!
5 Incredible Facts About Apple Trees That’ll Amaze You
First comes the flower, then the fruit
The fall produce of apples is preceded by the summer blossom of luscious pink, white, and yellow flowers.
There’s a wide world beyond Granny Smiths
There are more than 7,500 varieties of apple trees, producing 85 million tons of apples throughout the year.
It’s a big rose family
The apple tree is a part of the rose family, which includes almonds, peaches, plums, cherries, and many other seasonal fruits.
It’s a century-long service
Apple trees can live as long as 100 years and even longer if they are spared human or natural assaults.
It’s a fall thing
Being part of the deciduous tree family, apple trees also shed their golden leaves as fall commences.
Why We Love Apple Tree Day
Fresh fruits over candy and canned
Apple-flavored candy and canned products are everywhere. While they bank on the sweet and familiar taste of apples, they are loaded with sugar and preservatives. Apple Tree Day promotes the consumption of fresh produce over these cheap derivatives.
It’s a good day to feel okay
As per the ‘British Journal of Health Psychology’, eating apples can boost your mood, pump you with energy, produce a calming effect on your body, and increase your happiness. With benefits like this, how can you resist adding apples to your diet?
Apples love you back
There is no fruit in existence with as much nutritious value as an apple. From packing tons of antioxidants in each bite to complimenting the dessert recipe at every American holiday, apples are too good to be true. On January 6, we come together to renew our love for this amazing fruit.
Apple Tree Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 6 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 6 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | January 6 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | January 6 | Thursday |
| 2029 | January 6 | Saturday |
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