All About Apples

History

The history of apples stretches back to the days of Adam and Eve, when it is believed to have been the “forbidden fruit” described in the Bible. Despite this long standing history, apples did not always grow naturally in New England. While the first apples are thought to have grown on the lower slopes of Tian Shan, a mountain range separating Kazakhstan and Krygystan, they also grew wild in Central and Southwest Asia, China, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Greece.

Through conquest and exploration, apples were spread when Romans conquered England and when Spaniards brought them to Mexico and South America. It wasn’t until the mid 1600’s that the Pilgrims cultivated them in Massachusetts. It is believed that John Endecott, an early governor, was the first to bring an apple tree to North America, and the first orchard was planted on Beacon Hill by a clergyman named William Blaxton. It is Blaxton who is credited for growing the first named apple, the Yellow Sweeting. Once apples were established in New England, they played an active role in everyday life. As a fruit which was easily stored through the winter, as well as being very beneficial to settlers’ health, apples were a main staple in early settlers’ diets. Despite the fact that apples were not initially from North America, and have been growing disease-free for centuries in their native habitats, the early settlers found that the long, hot summers and cold winters of New England grew apples unlike anywhere else in the world. New England apples are known not only for their unique blend of tart and sweet flavors, but also for their size and freshness.

Apples can be grown farther North than any other tree fruit. The reason for this is that the tree blooms in late spring when it is unlikely that the blossoms will be harmed by frost. While France harvests more apples than America,