October 2, 2011: National Apple Month

It is said that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away."

And with good reason. 

Apples are packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients - and all for around 80 calories per medium-sized apple. To sweeten the deal, not only are apples nutritious, they are also delicious. 

Archaeologists have found evidence that people have been consuming apples since at least 6500 B.C. and it's no wonder why the apple remains one of the most popular fruits to enjoy today.

To kick off National Apple Month, here are five fun facts:

1. There are around 7,500 varieties of apples grown around the world. Although 2,500 varieties of apples grow in the U.S., only 100 varieties are grown for commercial purposes. The most popular variety of apple in the U.S. is the Red Delicious.

2. Apples belong to the rose family of plants. Other members include pears, peaches, plums and cherries.

3. Around 36 apples are needed to create just one gallon of apple cider.

4. How many apples can you bob in one minute? Ashrita Furman set the Guinness World Record last year in New York when she bobbed 34 apples in just one minute - that's less than 2 seconds to bob each apple.

5. Why not celebrate National Apple Month by picking your own apples? It's an activity that the whole family can enjoy on a nice autumn day. A few local orchards to try are  in Ellington, Wright's Orchard and Dried Flower Farm in Tolland,  in Enfield and Scott's Orchard and Nursery in Glastonbury.

A complete list of Connecticut orchards can be found on the Connecticut Apple Marketing Board's Web site.

Once you get your hands on some fresh apples, head here to find recipes for any meal featuring apples.