I was raised in Eastern Washington where apples are grown in abundance. In fact you can hardly stand anywhere in my hometown and not see an orchard.
We also grow cherries, peaches, pears, apricots, nectarines, and plums...but apples are king.
As I was eating an apple this morning from my hometown I started thinking about just how much I love this particular fruit.
First of all they are beautiful growing on the tree. From the time they are in bloom up until they are harvested of their fruit apple trees are just plain pretty.
I know of no other fruit tree here in the Northwest that produces with quite such abandon as does the apple....ok except the wild blackberry but we're talking about things we grow on purpose!
And then there is the variety...sweet yellows, crisp reds, tart greens...white, yellow, green and even pink flesh...just a stunning assortment of colors and flavors.
If their good looks and good fresh eatin' weren't enough to make you love apples there is the never ending things you can make with them. Fresh apple cider from the press, applesauce, apple crisp, apple butter and of course the all American apple pie!
I don't know how it can get much better than that...
Well except I forgot to mention that they are also great for playing with!
Yep, apples...just about the perfect fruit!
I would highly encourage anyone with the climate to accomodate them to give growing apples a try...you will be so glad you did!
Do you have a perfect fruit?
(besides your crazy uncle Mort...he doesn't count!)
