It might be the everyday fruit in your lunchbox, but the apple has been carrying powerful symbolism for thousands of years. Discover the surprising mythology behind apples, the real science of ‘an apple a day’, and six tasty ways to eat more of them.
The apple is one of the most popular and widely available fruits in the world – but it’s also one of the most symbolic. From Greek and Norse mythology to the Old Testament, apples have shown up across cultures as a fruit of immortality, knowledge, beauty and discord. They’re also surprisingly good for you, packed with fibre, vitamin C, antioxidants and essential minerals. Here’s a closer look at the rich history of apples, the science behind ‘an apple a day’, and the easiest ways to add more to your diet.
THE MYTHOLOGY OF APPLES ACROSS CULTURES
Apples are so popular and readily available that they might seem an ordinary fruit. Yet the mythology that surrounds them is extraordinary. They’re woven into the stories of many cultures, where they take on powerful symbolism.
APPLES IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
In Greek mythology, an apple tree was given by Gaia, the goddess of Earth, to the Olympian queen of the gods Hera, on her marriage to chief deity Zeus. It bore golden apples that were said to grant immortality.
Greek legend also tells of how, at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, Eris, the goddess of discord, threw a golden apple inscribed with the words ‘To the fairest’ into the gathering. The quarrel for the apple between Hera, Athena and Aphrodite ultimately led to the Trojan war.
APPLES IN NORSE MYTHOLOGY
In Norse mythology, Idun, goddess of spring and rejuvenation, was the guardian of the apples of immortality, said to keep the gods from ageing and grant eternal youth. The fruit represented vitality, renewal and the gift of staying young.
THE APPLE AS THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT
In western art and literature, the apple often represents the unspecified forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Old Testament of the Bible – the tree Adam and Eve were forbidden to touch by God. Interestingly, the Bible itself never names the fruit as an apple, but centuries of artists and storytellers have made the association stick.
ARE APPLES REALLY GOOD FOR YOU?
While the apples in your fruit bowl might not grant immortality, the saying that ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ seems to be more than folklore. A research study found that while adults who ate an apple a day didn’t go to the doctor any less, they did require less medication than those who didn’t eat apples daily. Another study found that women over 70 who ate an apple a day lived longer than those in the same age bracket who didn’t.
Apples are full of fibre and also high in vitamin C. They contain essential minerals such as copper and potassium, along with antioxidants that support overall health. Simply grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl is a quick, easy way to reap the benefits.
6 DELICIOUS WAYS TO EAT MORE APPLES
If grabbing an apple straight from the fruit bowl is starting to feel a bit ordinary, here are six simple ways to make the most of this versatile fruit.
- APPLE SANDWICHES
Quarter an apple and then thinly slice it. Use two slices like bread for a sandwich. Spread the middle with nut butter, or thinly sliced cheese, or both!
- GRATED APPLE IN SAVOURY SALADS
Grate apple into a savoury salad to add a sweet, juicy twist. It works beautifully with leafy greens, nuts, cheese or roasted veg.
- APPLE-TOPPED PANCAKES
Add sliced apple to morning pancakes for an extra layer of sweetness and a satisfying bite. A drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon takes it up a notch.
- HOMEMADE APPLE JUICE
If you have a strong blender, cut out the core of your apple and blend up the rest for a fresh juice. Add berries for extra flavour and colour.
- BAKED CINNAMON APPLES
For a delicious dessert, slice your apple, coat it in melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon or mixed spice, then bake for up to 30 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- APPLE AND WALNUT SALAD OR APPLE AND RASPBERRY CAKE
Want to go further? Try our full recipes for apple and walnut salad and apple and raspberry cake – both perfect ways to enjoy the season’s best apples.
WORDS: Lorna Cowan
ILLUSTRATIONS: Lisa Glanz on Creative Market
This article was originally published under the title Appley Ever After in Issue 50. You can get this issue here to enjoy more mindful inspiration.
