Learning about Apples

Food literacy for young children is all about understanding where our food comes from and how it is grown and eaten around the world. Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe and were brought to North America by settlers. They like to grow in temperate climates with hot summer temperatures around 20-30C, like the Okanagan region or the Fraser Valley of British Columbia.

What are apples?

Apples are a type of fruit grown widely throughout the world and have been an important part of human diet and culture. There are thousands of different types of apples ranging in colour from green to yellow to orange to the classic red and they also vary in taste, some being sweet and others more sour. The expression “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” spans back to the 19th century and speaks to the health benefits from eating them regularly.

Here are some activity ideas to learn about apples:

• Apple Art. Have children paint small paper plates or cutouts red or green then add a stem and string and hang the apple art from a tree or on the wall. Or even wear them as a necklace!
• Make fun recipes with apples. Try our Apple Dutch Pancake or make homemade Applesauce.  Childcare facilities with 8+ children should check with their Licensing Officer about what is needed to serve food.
• Explore the different types of apples. Find a selection of local BC apples so children can explore with all of their senses, like looking at the different colours, smelling the different aromas and tasting the flavours. Be sure to grate or slice apple thinly for young children to prevent choking. 
• Read a book about apples.  Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington is a story about a girl who grows and sells apples and the products she makes from them like apple cider and applesauce.

For more ideas and resources

Learn more about apples and their benefits and uses here!