The United Kingdom has many symbols that represent its culture and history. There’s a national flower, a national animal, a national bird, and even a national dish. But is there a national fruit? In this article, let’s find out all about the national fruit of the UK and give a clear answer to this question.
Table of Contents
What Is the National Fruit of the United Kingdom (UK)?
The Apple (Malus domestica) has been officially celebrated as the “State fruit of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland.” The Romans were the ones who first brought apples to the UK when they were there a long time ago. Today, many people in the UK love eating apples and use them a lot in cooking, especially in sweets.
Apples are very important in the UK and are a part of what makes British culture special. There are apple types that are famous in particular parts of the UK, too.
For instance, the Bramley apple comes from England and is still grown a lot there. The Cox’s Orange Pippin is another famous apple from England that now grows in many places around the world. There are other types like the Sweet Alford, Red Windsor, and Golden Delicious.
History of Apple Growing in the UK
People in the UK have been growing apples for a very long time, going back to when the Romans lived there. But it wasn’t until the 1500s that apple farming really started to spread across the UK. The apple orchards in Kent got special attention for growing really good fruit, which is why Kent is nicknamed the “Garden of England.”
Different Apples in the UK
There are more than 2,500 types of apples grown in the UK. Some are sweet, some are tangy, some are crunchy, and some are soft. Everyone has a favorite, with Cox’s Orange Pippin, Bramley, and Granny Smith being among the most loved. Each apple type has a special flavor, feel, and smell.
Eating Apples in the UK
Apples are a favorite fruit for many people in the UK. Every year, they eat more than 1.5 million tonnes of apples. You can have apples raw, cooked, turned into juice, or made into cider. British people also love to use apples in classic dishes like apple pie, apple crumble, and toffee apples.
Apples in UK Culture
Apples are a big part of British culture and have been for a while. They’re mentioned in lots of stories and poems, like in William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet.” Apples also come up during Halloween, with fun activities like bobbing for apples.
In a scene from “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet talks about how something’s name doesn’t change what it actually is. She says that Romeo would still be the person she loves even if he had a different name. Apples are used in this sort of way, where they are more than just a fruit; they hold a meaning and represent something bigger in the culture.
Conclusion
By looking at apples’ long history in the UK and their impact on British culture, we can see why they are considered the national fruit. Apples are not only grown and eaten here, but they’re also a key part of what makes British culture special. Their roots go deep here, and they’re loved in stories, traditions, and everyday life.
