History of Massachusetts Apples: How Pilgrims Built the Crop

Apples are as much a part of fall in New England as pumpkins, falling leaves, and crisp, chilly mornings. For that, we have the Pilgrims to thank.

Apples have existed on Earth for as long as humans have. The Bible reminds us that the first major disagreement between man and woman was over whether to take a bite of an apple. You know what happened next.

However, apples have not always existed in America. If it were not for the Pilgrims, there might not be any apples in the New World.

From Native Crabapples to English Seedlings

To be sure, there were crabapples in America when the Pilgrims arrived in 1620, the only apple native to the continent, but they were small, bitter, and inedible. Our forebears demanded better.

Massachusetts Gave America The Gift Of The Apple — Getty Images

The Vermont Fruit Tree Growers Association says, "The Massachusetts Bay Colony requested seeds and cuttings from England, which were brought over on subsequent voyages to Boston."

The site says, "Other Europeans brought apple stock to Virginia and the southwest, and a Massachusetts man, John Chapman, became famous for planting trees throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois."

Chapman became known by his nickname, "Johnny Appleseed."

The Economic Power of Massachusetts Apple Month

September is Massachusetts Apple Month, and with some 80 pick-your-own apple orchards statewide, it's no wonder why.

The Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources reports that more than 120 apple varieties are grown in New England. In Massachusetts, the apple crop yields more than 32 million pounds of fruit annually, valued at more than $42 million.

A Harvest Tradition Built to Last

The apple harvesting season in Massachusetts runs from July through mid-October.

The next time you sink your choppers into a tasty, juicy McIntosh apple, remember to thank the Pilgrims.

The Ultimate A-Z Apple Picking Guide for Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Apple picking is classic fall family fun and there are lots of farms to visit across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. So whether you want a road trip or to just stay close to home, here are all the apple orchards you can pick from this season. Just click on each one to find out more.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall