Like many other countries, Austria has its own national symbols, like a bird, animal, flower, and fruit. For Austria, the apple (Malus domestica) is the cherished fruit that stands as a national symbol. Apples are deeply rooted in Austrian culture and food. We’re going to dive into why apples are so special in Austria and how they are used in Austrian dishes.
Table of Contents
What is the National Fruit of Austria?
In Austria, the apple (Malus domestica) holds the honor of being the national fruit. It is not just popular to eat, but it’s also culturally and historically loved, important for the economy, and used a lot in traditional foods and drinks. For hundreds of years, Austrians have stories and myths about apples which show just how special they are in Austria.
Apples have been grown in Austria for a really long time—over 2000 years! The country has lots of apple types that originally came from there. Because apples have been around for so long and are used in many traditions, they are really important in Austria’s culture and history.
Historical Significance of Apples in Austria
Apples have been important in Austria for a very long time. In olden days, people thought apples could heal you, and they were used often to make sick people better.
There are also many old Austrian stories and myths about apples, like ones about a golden apple causing trouble and another about an apple that could cast a love spell.
Importance of Apples in Austrian Cuisine
Apples are a key ingredient in food from Austria, and they can be found in all kinds of recipes, both salty and sweet ones.
Well-known Austrian dishes with apples include Apfelstrudel, a yummy dessert with apple inside pastry layers, and Tafelspitz, which is a beef dish served with a sauce made of apple and horseradish. Apples also show up in Austrian drinks like Apfelwein, a kind of apple alcohol like cider.
Apples in Austrian Festivals and Traditions
Apples are a big part of festivals and special times in Austria. When it’s time to pick the apples in autumn, many places in Austria have a festival to celebrate. Apples are everywhere during the festival—people pick them, make cider, and even compete in contests to see who can make the best apple treats. At Christmas, apples are also important, used in sweets and as decorations.
Apple Production in Austria
Austria is well-known for growing apples, with over 500,000 tons of them harvested every year.
The region in the east called Styria is especially good for growing apples because the weather and the soil there are just right. Austria also makes very good apple juice and cider which they send to people all over the world.
Why is Apple Chosen as the National Fruit of Austria?
Choosing the apple as the National Fruit of Austria was a way to show how much the country loves this fruit and how important it has been in their history and culture.
The apple has been grown there for a really long time and has shaped their stories, food, and special times. By making it the national fruit, Austria also celebrates being one of the big places that grow and sell apples.
Conclusion
The apple is a special food in Austria’s culture, and it has been loved there for a very long time.
By being chosen as the National Fruit, the apple shows its place in Austria’s heart and its big role in agriculture. Austria loves its apples, whether they are in tasty dishes, sweet desserts, or part of happy celebrations, making them a beloved part of life there.
