An apple a day... Whether it's a sweet and juicy McIntosh, a ruby-red Gravenstein or a crunchy Cortland, apples are being served up every day from Nova Scotia's apple growers.

The first apple trees in the province were planted near Port Royal in the early 1600's by Acadian settlers. Over the years, Nova Scotia apple growers have improved the quality of the fruit through better handling methods immediately following the harvest.

Did you know apples are the major tree fruit grown in Nova Scotia, contributing more than 50 million dollars to the local economy? A leisurely drive through the beautiful Annapolis Valley in late spring will give you an indication of the size of the apple industry today. And of course, there's the ever popular apple blossom festival to celebrate the beauty and excitement of apple blossom time.

Have you had your apple today?

Visit "On the Land & Sea" Resource Directory for a list of U-Pick operations in Nova Scotia.

For recipes, follow the links below.

The following links provide more information about Nova Scotia apples:

Fun Apple Stuff for Kids
A Guide to Nova Scotia Apples
Canadian Apple Varieties
Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association
U-Pick Food Safety

Apple Bread

This moist bread is made with raw apple. If you're tired of banana or pumpkin bread, try it for a nice change.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-5 inch loaf pan.

1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 cups peeled, coarsely chopped raw apple
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

For more information, contact:

Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association
Tel: (902) 678-1093 or (902) 678-1567
Kentville Agricultural Centre, Blair House
Kentville, Nova Scotia B4N 1J5
Web Site: www.nsapples.com
E-mail: derith@nsapples.com