We love our apples to the core. We bob for them; over 66 million are produced annually across the globe; and get this…If you plant the seeds from an apple, it will grow another variety! That’s why there are so many types of apples around today – 7,500 known varieties throughout the world and at least 100 different kinds in the U.S. alone!

Apples, no matter which variety you prefer, are also extremely nutritious, providing an excellent source of fiber, as well as vitamins A, B, C, E, K and iron, potassium and magnesium. No wonder they say eat an apple a day.

Apples have been around forever. Cider has been swilled for 2,000 years and the ancient Greeks believed that apples were magical. Trust me, if you ever tasted my friend’s crunchy on the outside and melt in your mouth moist on the inside Jewish apple cake, you too would become a believer in the fruits of magic.

Common apple varieties include red delicious which is juicy, mildly sweet and a favorite crunchy snack for most and the Rome apple which is a bit smaller with thicker skin and more typically used for baking and cooking purposes. Easy to peel, McIntosh apples offer a tasty combination of sweet and tart that is just perfect in applesauce and apple butter. Granny Smiths, also on the tart side, bear a vibrant green skin which can be artfully used in salads and as a garnish.

Valentine’s Day is almost here, so you might want to consider baking the apple of your eye a pie or some decadent apple strudel. Get yours affordably and fresh at any Perrine’s Produce location.