Other than Johnny Appleseed very little about the history of apples is common knowledge so here are some basics about the fruit. Although apples are frequently regarded as the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden there is no evidence that apples grew in the Middle East during the Biblical time period. The earliest evidence of apples is in prehistoric lake dwellings of Switzerland where charred remains have been found. Even though the exact origin or birthplace of apples is unknown it is widely believed to be in between the Black and Caspian Seas.
Apples were a favorite of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Greek Mythology repeatedly uses apples as a symbol of love. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and marriage, is often depicted holding an apple. Also, Hera was given an apple for her engagement to Zeus and as a symbol of her fertility.
Many modern traditions are descendants of ancient apple practices. Today�s custom of tossing rice at weddings stems from the ancient practice of throwing apples at newlyweds. Apple-bobbing, the popular Halloween pastime was originally a method of determining one�s spouse at during the Celtic New Year.
American settlers did not take long to transport apples across the Atlantic. Massachusetts Bay Company records show apples were here by 1630. John Endicott is credited with bringing the first apple trees over. Another famous John, John Chapman commonly referred to as Johnny Appleseed helped spread apples across the country.