Apples are a cornerstone of British culture and tradition. These unassuming fruits have deep roots in our heritage and have left their mark in numerous myths and stories. As a new cider producer based in Hampshire UK, we have been researching the allure of apples and the stories that surround them. In this blog post, we debunk six of the lesser-known myths about these remarkable fruits.
Myth 1: The Forbidden Fruit
When you envisage the “forbidden fruit” from the Garden of Eden do you immediately think of an apple? The Bible never actually specifies the fruit as an apple. The association with apples comes from artistic interpretations over time only. Apples have historically been cherished for their sweet taste and nutritional value, rather than being a symbol of temptation.
Myth 2: Johnny Appleseed and the Wilderness Orchard
The legendary American folk hero, Johnny Appleseed, is renowned for his adventures in planting apple seeds across the American frontier. But what many don’t realise is that his mission wasn’t focused on growing orchards for eating apples. Rather, it was about establishing orchards for hard cider production, which was a vital part of American life in the 19th century.
Myth 3: The Poisoned Apple in Fairy Tales
Apples have played central roles in many classic fairy tales, most notably the poisoned apple in Snow White. These myths have contributed to the misconception that apples can be dangerous. In reality, apples are a wholesome and nutritious fruit, loaded with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. An apple a day …..
Myth 4: All Apples Taste the Same
One common misunderstanding is that all apples share the same taste. In truth, there are thousands of apple varieties, each with its distinct flavour and texture. Here at Hydes Cyder, we recognise the significance of selecting the right apple varieties for our cider blends. Blending has been the most enjoyable part of our journey to date.
Myth 5: Apples as Offerings to the Gods
Throughout history, various cultures have celebrated apples as offerings to gods and deities. In Norse mythology, apples were associated with the goddess Idun, who was the guardian of youth and keeper of the golden apples that granted eternal life to the gods. In Greek mythology, apples were associated with the goddess of discord, Eris, who threw a golden apple inscribed with “To the Fairest” into a gathering of goddesses, leading to the infamous Judgment of Paris and the Trojan War.
Myth 6: Apples as Symbols of Love
Apples have also symbolised love in many cultures. In Celtic mythology, it was customary for a young suitor to offer a finely crafted apple to his beloved as a token of affection. Apples have been featured in love poems, songs, and traditions, often representing the sweetness and purity of love.
As a new cider producer in the UK, we are deepening our appreciation for apples and their role in our history. All food for thought on our cider-making journey.
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