1. Apple tree

2. History Apples originated in Europe near the Caspian Sea and were eaten by ancient Greeks and Romans There has been evidence of apples found in prehistoric dwellings in parts of Europe The pilgrims planted the first apple trees in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and the fruit spread all over the United States According to the University of Illinois, in colonial times, apples were called winter bananas or melt-in- the-mouth.

3. Age Apple trees take 4 to 5 years to produce fruit, but, according to Urban Forestry, apple trees are one of the longest living fruit trees Although apple productivity decreases with time, apple trees can live well over 60 years

4. Location The United States is one of the top apple producers in the world Other countries that grow apples are China, Turkey, Germany, Poland and Italy

5. Medical uses Apples are used to control diarrhea or constipation; and for the softening, passage, and collection of gallstones. They are also used to prevent cancer, especially lung cancer. Other uses include treating cancer, diabetes, dysentery, fever, heart problems, warts, and a vitamin C-deficiency condition called scurvy. Some people also use apples for cleaning their teeth.

6. Apples are a member of the rose family.

7. The End The old saying "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away" comes from am old English adage, "To eat an apple before going to bed, will make the doctor beg his bread."