Northwest Quiz: All About Apples

This favorite fruit arrived with our immigrant ancestors and grows in all 50 states. But how much do you know about it? Test your knowledge here.

1. The first U.S. apple trees were planted by:
A) Pilgrims in Massachusetts Bay Colony
B) Johnny Appleseed
C) Mott’s applesauce company
D) Aunt Bee in Mayberry, N.C.

2. Which variety is most widely grown in the U.S.?
A) Gala
B) Golden Delicious
C) McIntosh
D) Red Delicious

3. Apples are a member of which family:
A) The rose family
B) The peony family
C) The daisy family
D) The dandelion family

4. The science of growing apples and other tree fruits is called:
A) Pomology
B) Appleology
C) Scientology
D) Fruitology

5. What apple was cultivated to have larger-than-average cells, in order to make it crunchier?
A) Granny Smith
B) Honeycrisp
C) McIntosh
D) Jonathan

6. A good baking apple holds its shape when cooked. Which of these is not generally recommended for apple pie?
A) McIntosh
B) Granny Smith
C) Jonagold
D) Rome Beauty

7. Which of these sets is not among the 10 most popular apple varieties produced in the U.S. today?
A) Cortland, Braeburn, Cameo
B) Red Delicious, Gala, Granny Smith
C) Fuji, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp
D) McIntosh, Rome, Empire

8. How many pounds of apples are needed to make one 9-inch pie?
A) 0.5 pound
B) 2 pounds
C) 5 pounds
D) 7 pounds

9. Which of these statements is false? Apples are:
A) fat-free
B) sodium-free
C) cholesterol-free
D) sugar-free

10. All apples depend upon which of these for survival?
A) Pollinators
B) Fertilizers
C) Pesticides
D) Wax coatings

11. Apples can be grown further north than many other fruits because:
A) Apple trees hate hot weather and love snow
B) Apple trees don’t blossom until late spring, when
frost is past
C) The fruit does not ripen until autumn
D) A southern accent just really bothers apple trees

12. Which is not a top apple-producing state?
A) Texas
B) Washington
C) New York
D) Michigan

13. About how many apples are needed to make 1 gallon of cider?
A) 6
B) 16
C) 26
D) 36

14. Which type of apple, developed in part by the University of Illinois, was named the Illinois State Fruit in 2008?
A) Goldrush
B) Governor Red
C) Newtown Pippin
D) Granny Smith

Quiz Answers

1. A. Pilgrims grew the first apple trees and settlers spread them throughout the 50 states.
2. D. The pretty-but-flavorless Red Delicious is loved by growers, but not the public.
3. A. A rose by any other name is still related to the apple.
4. A. The Latin word “pomum” means “apple” or “fruit.”
5. B. The Honeycrisp is a contender to dethrone the Red Delicious.
6. A. The McIntosh is very tasty but falls apart when cooked.
7. A. These are good apples, just not as widely grown.
8. B. Since apple sizes vary greatly, it’s best to weigh, not count.
9. D. All fruits have natural sugars.
10. A. No bees, no apples.
11. B. It’s all about those sweet blossoms.
12. A. Washington is by far the largest apple producer.
13. D. And apple juice is simply filtered cider.
14. A. This cultivar is a spin-off of Golden Delicious, which is not closely related to Red Delicious.

Sources: University of Illinois Extension Service; U.S. Apple Growers Association