By Kim Amboy:
It’s perfect design fits nicely in your hand. It can last almost forever in your fridge. There are over 7,500 varieties grown worldwide, and it’s the main ingredient in countless culinary creations. While the French call it “la Pomme”, Spanish speakers refer to it as “la Manzana”, and Italians say, “la Mela.” Just what are we referring to? Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you…. The Apple!
Remember that old expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? According to Google, it originated as a Welsh proverb first recorded in the mid-19th century, and still aptly describes the health benefits of this delightful nutritional powerhouse. In fact, the story of apples (not native
to North America) began in the 1600s at Jamestown, when the English brought seeds and saplings along with them. During the 1700s, Thomas Jefferson was one of the commonwealth’s most influential apple enthusiasts. He cultivated numerous varieties near Monticello, and his passion helped set a standard for apple growing that influences orchardists in Virginia today.
But, enough about history! Just why is Apple Harvest so beloved? For one thing, the weather is finally cool, and autumn colors blanket the countryside. That earthy smell of fallen leaves is everywhere, and the yearly stampede of sweater-clad Virginians commences—all flocking to mountain orchards like Carter Mountain and Drumheller’s to take part in annual rituals that include apple picking, hayrides, cider donuts, and gallons of fresh cider. These same folks cheerfully return home, vehicles laden with bushels and pecks of their favorite varieties. Again, why? Because, let’s face it, a fresh-picked apple direct from the tree has a sweetness and echoing crunch that surpasses anything you can buy in the grocery store.
Once home, family chefs and their little helpers soon turn these treasures into pies, fritters, cobblers, cakes, and sauces, filling kitchens everywhere with the delightful scent of fruit and cinnamon (an apple’s best friend). Even plain homemade apple butter makes a simple piece of toast taste like heaven! Yes, each family hands down and enjoys its own apple specialties.
So, appreciate the uncomplicated pleasures in our complicated world. This year’s crop will soon be in storage; therefore, time is of the essence. Grab yourself a fresh-picked apple, polish it on your sleeve, and bite into the matchless joy that can only be had at this time of year. Who knows? Your apple today might indeed keep the doctor away!