October “Did You Know?” Challenge! 🍎
Did you know that October is National Apple Month? It’s the perfect time to celebrate one of America’s favorite fruits — apples! There are so many kinds, each with its own taste, color, and crunch.
Your Challenge:
Can you name 6-8 different types of apples? You might spot them at the grocery store, farmers market, or even if you go apple picking this month! Use this Padlet to write your list and turn it in by the end of October for a chance to spin the prize wheel!
Need help learning about apple varieties? Here are some fun facts:
Apples are notable for their impressive list of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Studies suggest that its components are essential for optimal growth, development, and overall wellness.
With that being said, make sure you don’t peel your apple. Two-thirds of the fiber and lots of antioxidants are found in the peel. Antioxidants help to reduce damage to cells, which can trigger some diseases.
The apple is the most diverse food plant in the world. According to food journalist and apple expert Rowan Jacobsen, there used to be 16,000 types of apples in the U.S. alone. A current review of USDA data puts the variety diversity at 2,450 types. Throughout the world, 7,500 varieties of apples are grown.
The science of apple growing is called pomology.
Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit.
The largest apple picked weighed three pounds.
It takes the energy from 50 leaves to produce one apple.
Apples are the second most valuable fruit grown in the United States. Oranges are first.
Apples have five seed pockets or carpels. Each pocket contains seeds. The number of seeds per carpel is determined by the vigor and health of the plant. Different varieties of apples will have different number of seeds.
Apples ripen six to ten times faster at room temperature than if they were refrigerated.
The top apple producing states are Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California and Virginia.