International Eat An Apple Day

Keep those pesky doctors at bay—at least for a day. Try a new apple-based recipe, slice one up to eat with peanut butter or honey, or just bite into a crisp apple.

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Capitalize on harvest season timing to drive apple sales and recipe engagement through health-focused and culinary content.

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Share 5 creative apple recipes beyond pie—from savory to sweet
Highlight local apple varieties and farm-to-table sourcing during peak harvest
Partner with nutritionists to promote apples as a natural health boost
User-generated content challenge: #MyAppleDay featuring unique ways to enjoy apples

History

International Eat An Apple Day has roots that reach deep into history, touching on the apple’s journey across continents and cultures.

Apples, originally from Central Asia, near the Tien Shan mountains, have traveled far and wide. Traders along the Silk Road introduced them to Europe, and European colonists later brought them to America.

The apple has been featured in numerous stories and myths globally, from the Arabian Nights to Greek mythology, showcasing its importance across different cultures.

The day is celebrated on the third Saturday of September each year. This timing is perfect as it coincides with the apple harvest in many parts of the world. The celebration encourages people to enjoy apples in any form, from a raw, crunchy bite to a piece of warm, inviting apple pie.

The reasons for celebrating International Eat An Apple Day are as varied and rich as the history of apples themselves.

Apples are incredibly versatile fruits that can be enjoyed in numerous ways, from baking into pies and crumbles to adding a sweet crunch to salads. Beyond their delicious taste, apples offer numerous health benefits. They are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a great choice for a healthy snack.

No matter how you choose to celebrate International Eat An Apple Day, the essence of the day is to appreciate the humble apple in all its forms and to explore the various ways it can be enjoyed.

Whether you pick one straight from a tree, bake it into a dessert, or experiment with it in new recipes, the day is a fun opportunity to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved fruits.

FAQ

Why were apples once considered dangerous in Europe?

During the Middle Ages, some Europeans believed apples were cursed or poisonous. This stemmed from a misunderstanding—many people ate unripe or rotten apples, leading to stomach issues. Additionally, apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, fueling the myth that apples could be deadly if consumed excessively.

How did apples become linked to temptation and sin?

Though the Bible never specifies which fruit Adam and Eve ate, Renaissance painters often depicted it as an apple. This may have been due to linguistic similarities—the Latin word for apple, malus, also means “evil.” Over time, this association with temptation and sin became widespread in Western culture.

What is the strangest way apples have been used in history?

In ancient Rome, physicians prescribed baked apples to treat digestive issues and fevers. During World War II, people used apple peels to make a coffee substitute due to shortages. In parts of Europe, farmers even buried apples in their fields as an offering for a good harvest.

Are there any superstitions about apples?

In Scotland and Ireland, people used apples for divination during Samhain (the predecessor to Halloween). One belief was that peeling an apple in a single strip and tossing it over your shoulder would reveal the first letter of your future spouse’s name. Others thought dreaming of apples meant upcoming prosperity or romance.

Have apples ever played a role in major scientific discoveries?

Besides the famous story of Isaac Newton and gravity, apples have contributed to genetics. The first recorded hybridization experiments with apples occurred in the 1800s, influencing the development of Mendelian genetics. Today, geneticists study the apple’s DNA to improve fruit resilience and shelf life.

What is the most expensive apple variety in the world?

The Sekai Ichi apple from Japan holds the title for the priciest apple variety. Grown with meticulous care, each apple is hand-pollinated and hand-washed in honey. Some Sekai Ichi apples sell for over $20 per fruit due to their perfect shape, size, and taste.

How did apples become a New Year’s Eve tradition in the U.S.?

New York City’s Times Square ball drop may have been inspired by apple symbolism. New York is known as “The Big Apple,” and early 20th-century celebrations often included apple-themed decor. Today, the giant ball that drops at midnight still represents the city’s nickname, even if it isn’t apple-shaped.

Why do apples float in water?

Apples are about 25% air, which makes them less dense than water. This is why they float in games like apple bobbing. The air pockets inside the fruit also help apples stay fresh longer compared to other fruits with denser flesh.

What’s the oldest apple tree still producing fruit?

A tree planted in 1826 by Henderson Lewelling in Iowa is still producing apples today. Some even claim it predates that, making it one of the oldest fruit-bearing apple trees in the U.S. Over nearly two centuries, it has survived storms, droughts, and disease, continuing to bear fruit.

Have apples ever been used as weapons?

During the American Civil War, soldiers sometimes threw apples at each other when food was scarce. In medieval England, young boys played a game where they pelted apples at passersby for fun. Even in modern times, frozen apples have been jokingly suggested as makeshift projectiles due to their hardness.