The aphrodisiac history of apples

Ah, the apple, the temptation of Eve – the downfall in the Garden of Eden. But then, what pretty girl could ever pass up a shiny, lipstick red, orchard-fresh fruit of the gods?

The ancient Greeks also loved apples. Instead of slipping a ring onto a fair maiden’s finger, a Greek warrior was supposed to toss an apple to the–ah–apple of his eye. If she caught the fruit, the act was as good as an engagement.

But apples were not just a fruit of temptation in biblical references and Greek mythology. The historic link between apples and love was celebrated throughout the world. Even in Hindu culture, apples were used in games of love. According to Marilyn Ekdahl Ravicz’s Erotic Cuisine, a combination of thorn apples, black pepper, honey and long pepper was used as an ointment. This sticky, fragrant mixture was thought to render the wearer irresistible.

In Medieval England, an autumnal celebration centered around the fermented fruit of the apple tree and the almost Bacchanalian merriment that would ensue. (The supposed purpose was to ensure a bountiful harvest, or so the story goes.)

Apples are antioxidant-rich

The flavor of a great apple is as satisfying as the most delicious, juicy candy. But don’t let this fool you, these autumn fruits are superfoods wrapped in delicate skins. High in antioxidants, their free radical-fighting power boosts natural anti-aging abilities while helping to fight cancer.

And although apples deliver a jolt of sweetness, they aren’t among the foods to give you a sugar high, then a crash. You see, their high pectin content keeps a sugar rush at bay, preventing the hyper high and depressing crash experienced from eating less healthy sweets. Instead, their even energy distribution is a divine source of sustenance for a few hours of horizontal apple picking.

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