Apple Facts

• Apple trees are part of the rose family.
  
  
• Fruit sizes range from cherry to grapefruit sizes.
  
  
• Reproduction usually occurs by grafting or budding.
  
  
• Over 7,000 varieties of apples exist.
  
  
• Worldwide about 40 million metric tons of apples are produced annually.
  
  
• The average American eats 18 pounds of fresh apples and 29 pounds of processed apples a year.
  
  
• Most apples are used for cider or brandy.
  
  
• Apple growing is called pomology.
  
  
• Apples were called winter bananas and melt-in-the-mouths during colonial times.
  
  
• Washington is the leading apple producing state followed by New York, Michigan, and California.
  
  
• The oldest living apple tree grew in a Manhattan orchard from 1647 to 1866 when it was hit by a derailed train.