New York first began to adopt its own official state symbols in 1882. Many more have been adopted since then, and a state symbol can come in the form of state animals, mammals, a state bird and flower, vegetables, amphibians, nicknames, state seals, and much more.
State symbols were adopted by states to represent them and their historical roots best and past and present successes. Like all other states, there are many New York state symbols that epitomize the state.
What is the State Fruit of New York?
The official New York state fruit is the apple (Malus). The apple became the official state fruit of New York back in 1976.
New York is the second-highest apple-producing state in the United States, and the production is incredibly impressive, averaging around 25 million bushels per year.
Apples were initially introduced to the U.S. in the 1600s by European settlers. These settlers brought seeds to New York, and over time dried apples became incredibly popular, becoming a regular food source for colonists.
Also, a favorite drink amongst them was hard apple cider. The picture that features in the New York state seal showcases the settlers’ boats hitting the waters of New York State.
There’s an abundance of different varieties, too, including McIntosh, Empire, Red Delicious, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Rome, Idared, Crispin, Paula Red, Gala, Jonagold, Jonamac, Fuji, Macoun, Braeburn, and even more.
In New York alone, there are approximately 600 apple growers throughout the state, with over 11 million apple trees too. New York produces enough apples to bake 500 million apple pies each year!
Most states will have their symbols showcase a relevant story that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Empire State (Big Apple) puts its history and what it stands for across very well in the New York State Fruit.
This interesting fact about New York and a whole host of others is what makes the state so unique and fascinating to those that live there or are researching the historical events of the state.
