It’s time to celebrate National Johnny Appleseed Day. The legend follows a true life character with a love of apple trees.
This national day is one of the lucky few that is celebrated on two dates: September 26 and March 11. However, more people celebrate the day in September than in March.
The September date correlates to fall apple picking and is also significant because September 26 was Johnny Appleseed’s birthday. The March date correlates to the planting season for apple trees.
Keep reading to learn the history of Johnny Appleseed and how to celebrate the national day dedicated to him.
History of Johnny Appleseed
John Chapman, a pioneer nurseryman born in 1774, introduced apple trees to many parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as Ontario. This man is better know as Johnny Appleseed.
There is little known about his early life, but he was working as a nurseryman and orchardist by 1812. Legend has it that Appleseed randomly planted apple trees as he moved west.
This story is not actually true, but he did plant orchards that he would take care of when he re-visited them later. Once the orchards developed, he sold them.
Johnny Appleseed died from pneumonia at the age of 71 in 1845. Quite an old age for that time period. Legend says that it was the only time he was sick in his whole life.
Good publicity for the saying about an apple a day keeping the doctor away!
This hero of American Folklore picked up his nickname and the legend that followed him after his death. You can still visit one of his trees, which is 176 years old in Nova, Ohio. The tree grows tart apples, which are now used for applesauce.
There is a 15 foot tall Johnny Appleseed statue in Bedford, Virginia. It’s located on a 200 plus acre fam with over 7000 apple trees.
It is not only apple farms who have chosen to celebrate his life. The United States post office also got in on the game with this Johnny Appleseed stamp.
A 5c Johnny Appleseed postage stamp was issued in 1965 by the US Post Office. The stamp is still valid for postage today, but you’ll need a few of them to mail a letter!
Paul Austin Kelly is known for the bluegrass song called The Ballad of Johnny Appleseed.
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How to celebrate National Johnny Appleseed Day
If you wish to celebrate National Johnny Appleseed Day, why not try one of these ideas?
- Plant an apple tree in your back yard.
- Read the rhyming story of Johnny Appleseed to your children to introduce them to the legend.
- Grab a green apple and make yourself this simple but delicious green juice recipe.
- Have a movie night and watch the Johnny Appleseed DVD.
- And of course eat some apples!
- Drink a glass of warm apple cider. Johnny would approve!
- Make some caramel apples – there are dozens of caramel apple toppings to choose from!
Apple recipes to celebrate National Johnny Appleseed Day
One of the best ways to celebrate any food national day is to make a new recipe. Check out these apple recipes for some tasty ideas.
Apple Recipes for National Johnny Appleseed Day - March 11
These apple recipes are the perfect way to celebrate National Johnny Appleseed Day. Why not make one to honor this true-life figure who spread apple trees across the Midwest?
Healthy Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowl – (Paleo – Vegan – Gluten Free) – Easy Breakfast Recipe
Apples, nut butter and coconut combine to make this healthy morning breakfast bowl that will start your day off on the right foot.
The creamy filling and crunchy topping are just amazing together. The topping has cinnamon and pecans in it while the filling holds the apples and sour cream.
These warm cinnamon baked apples are the perfect side dish for pork. They also make a tasty and healthy snack or dessert.
Do you like the taste of caramel apples in the fall? Get those flavors with these sweet apple oatmeal bars with a decadent caramel drizzle.
Gooey caramel and fresh apple flavors combine into this easy to make gluten free caramel apple cake!
Turn the recipe for hasselback potatoes into a dessert idea with these warm, partly sliced apples with a delicious buttery brown sugar topping. So yummy!
Caramel apples get a boozy twist with this fun martini recipe. It's simple to make and so, so tasty!
If you like the taste of apple crumble pie but only need a dessert for two, try these individual apple crumble baked apples. They are a healthier alternative to the traditional family favorite.
Snicker Apple Salad is a delicious dessert salad with only 4 ingredients – chopped apples, candy bars, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup.
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Watch our YouTube video to learn about more national days in March.