Green Fingers: The apple is the king of all fruits
Part of the apple's popularity had a lot to do with its keeping qualities, ease of cultivation and transport in times past.
I have never thought of the apple as the ‘King of all fruits’ and even when it was suggested to me, I immediately thought of many other fruits that might be more worthy of that title.
I suppose the fact that apples are so common would make you dismiss their importance but I will share with you some things about apples that might make you think again.
The old phrase of ‘the apple of your eye’ is still being used to describe something or someone precious, important or that you are very fond or proud of. The apple became a symbol of knowledge, longevity, fertility and temptation!
I must say there is something magical about going to an apple tree around harvest time, looking for a special one among the foliage, giving it a twist and, there it is, in your hand, a feast for your eyes with the expectations of eating it but, if you are romantically inclined, you might offer it to someone you are fond of. I suppose it is not surprising that Eve was tempted by the apple and offered it to Adam, and the rest is what we say is history.
I like apples, never get bored with them and eat them all the year round. Every apple is an individual and different, even from the same tree. I like their shape, firmness to touch and the infinite colours and patterns of different shades, some with a shiny skin all the way through to russet textures, the smell, and then the sound of the bite, and, finally, enjoying the various tastes that evolve.
There was a time that I did not appreciate the qualities of the apple and just considered it as an enjoyable food. Then I had a ‘Road to Damascus’ moment when a professor of Pomology (fruit) from Long Ashton introduced me to the various delightful aspects of apples. I then discovered (like wine) the huge variations within the now not so humble apple and started growing them in a collection as they were not available in the shops, so that now we have over 18 varieties in our garden, which give us apples from mid-August until the following March.
We all know of the healthy benefits of eating fruit and long before the ‘5 a day’ promotion, it was ‘an apple a day will keep the doctor away’.
I suppose part of the apple's popularity had a lot to do with its keeping qualities, ease of cultivation and transport in times past.
I feel strongly that every garden should have an apple tree as it will have a show of flowers that are as good as any other ornamental tree, with the added advantage of having edible fruit later in the season.
Just to finish up, did you know that among fruits there is jealousy about apples being, ‘the king of all fruits’, ever since Adam called part of his body ‘Adam’s Apple’ and many fruit types try to jump on the band wagon by stealth such as the ‘Love Apple’ which is a tomato, and ‘Pineapple’ - what cheek inserting the name apple in there!
Then there are other fruits which actually go to the trouble of a transgender change from being an orange into an apple, such as ‘Tydeman’s late Orange’, ’Ellison’s Orange’ or ‘Blenheim Orange’ and what about the peach changing into an apple called ‘Irish Peach’.
It is still a sleepy time in the garden but there are signs of life and if you have thoughts of growing some fruit, vegetables or flowers you might make a start by gathering some supplies so that you have them to hand when needed.
If you have any comments or queries you are welcome to contact me on 051-384273 or orchardstowngardencentre@hotmail.com and if of general interest I will include them in a future article.
