Criss-Cross Applesauce

The apple kept the doctor away but also poisoned Snow White. Isaac Newton discovered the concept of gravity from a falling apple. Apple Inc. is an affluent electronics corporation. New York City is known as "The Big Apple". The apple was once the forbidden fruit, but today it is the "apple of your eye" in the world of food.

There are over 7500 types of apples in the world. China, the United States and Iran are among the top producers worldwide. In Quebec, popular varieties include Macintosh, Cortland, Spartan, Lobo and Empire. September marks the start of apple picking season, which continues until Mid-October, depending on the variety. Many orchards allow visitors to pick apples themselves, making for a pleasant weekend outing.

Apples are rich in antioxidants and may even prevent cancer, according to recent studies. Apples are versatile in cooking and can enhance just abou

t any dish, although they are particularly compatible with meat and cheese. Of course, don't forget apple pie, applesauce and apple cider.

As with anything, there are always some bad apples. The seeds contain traces of cyanide (apples are quite hardcore!) The Adam's apple is said to represent the forbidden fruit lodged in Adams's throat; choking on food is never fun. Apples represent sin, and according to Doctor Who, apples are rubbish. But we wouldn't want a few bad apples to spoil the bunch!

So next time you grab an apple for a snack, you'll be sinking your teeth into a rich and flavourful story!