A Pembrokeshire proverb which originated in 19th century Wales says, “An apple a day keeps doctor away.” It tells you right away that this amazing fruit definitely has many health benefits. If you’ll follow this statement and eat one, two, tree apples a day, you can keep your doctor away. Your doctor can really get worried. He can loose his patients to apples.

Apple has been a symbol of good health for thousands of years. Malus Domestica, apple, the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree belongs to the rose family Rosaceae. Apple is a champion in popularity. It is one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world. Every spring when apple trees start their blossom, they bring a parade of freshness and romance to the earth, and dress it with gracious, snow-white flowers. Our planet looks like the most beautiful and happiest bride in the world.

Our ancestors planted certain flowers and trees for centuries to ward off inharmonious spirits that treatened the garden safety and tranquility with their intrusion. Apple, elder and almond trees served such purposes, while flowers such as St.John’s Wort, yarrow and angelica would protect against evil.

The apple tree is one of the most pleasant creations of Mother Nature. It is planted in any garden, commercial or near your house. If you have your own garden or visit any beautiful garden, you enjoy a serenity. It is hard to describe this impression, but you have a sense of joy and peace. You feel a release from the tensions of your working day, your everyday life problems, concerns and obligations.

The apple tree originated from Central Asia, a region of Asia from the Caspian Sea in the north to Afghanistan in the south. Central Asia consists of the five former Soviet Union republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Other countries are included such as Mongolia, Afghanistan, northen Pakistan, north-eastern Iran, north-western India, and western parts of the People’s Republic of China (Xinjiang).

There are more than 7500 known cultivars like Adams Pearmain and Beauty of Bath in England, Ambrosia in British Columbia, Annurca and Brina in Italy, Antonovka in Russia, Arkansas Black in Arkansas, Bailey in New York, Baldwin in Massachusetts, Cameo in Washington, Braeburn in New Zealand, and many other kinds used for eating and cooking.

Approximately 55 million tons of apples with a value of about $10 billion are grown worldwide every year. China is the biggest apple grower producing 35% of total worlwide input. The United States is the second leading supplier with more than 7.5% of world production. Iran is the third followed by Turkey, Russia, Italy and India.

Looking for some new, healthy snack? Watch this video and learn how Leann Lazar makes one of her favorite natural and healthy snacks in minutes. All you need are apples, almond butter, agave nectar, and a dash of cinnamon. I would also squeeze a piece of lemon in my homemade apple snack. It’ll taste even better.

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If you are going to make this kind of snack every day or fresh juice, you can store most varieties of apples for approximately two weeks at the coolest part of your refrigerator. Some types of apple, including the Granny Smith and Fuji, have an even longer shelf life. Curious about how apples can keep you and your family healthy? Read about it in my next post.

Sources:Photo by Franz Kohler, Kohler’s Medezinal-Pflauzen; http://www.youtube.com & www.fordmodels.tv