How to Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day

Photo by **Kristina Paukshtite** from **Pexels**

Johnny Appleseed Day is an opportunity to honor the man who passionately introduced apple trees across many parts of the country.¹ He was also a missionary and among the first American conservationists.²

While other people celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day on September 26, on his birthday, others celebrate it on March 11, which coincides with the prime planting season for apples.¹ Either way, it is important to commemorate the works of the man who made apple trees bloom all over the nation. His works should never go unnoticed.

Where was Johnny Appleseed born?

Johnny Appleseed was born John Chapman on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts. He had two siblings, including his brother who died at infancy.² When his mother died when he was two years old, his father moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, with him and his sister.¹

Johnny started propagating apple seeds in Pennsylvania and moved steadily to West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana. He moved further to Illinois and Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin. He planted orchards, and he would occasionally visit to take care of them.²

He would also teach people on the teachings of Swedish theologian, Emmanuel Swedenborg. He planted the apple seeds free, along with the lessons.³ He would sell the orchards once they developed, and used the proceeds to buy books written by Emmanuel Swedenborg, which he would give people for free.¹

He mostly traveled by foot, often shoeless, and always wore brimmed pasteboard to keep the sun away from his eyes. Other times, he traveled by horse or canoe. He walked for miles every day and slept outdoors. True to his name, he always carried a bag with apple seeds. He was widely known for his kindness that people consistently showed up when he came calling.¹

One admirable thing to note about his love for tending to apple trees, he would travel many miles to nurture an ailing orchard when he was learned of its poor condition. Bringing such trees back to health was his chief endeavor. ²Known for his strict stand on treating animals with kindness, including mosquitoes and rattlesnakes in line with the Swedenborgian doctrine that insisted that a life of religion is to do good to both people and animals.³ He always shared his wisdom, care, and kindness to people. Many people believe that John Chapman died on March 18 at the age of 70 years.

How to commemorate Johnny Appleseed Day

There are various landmarks over the country to honor Johnny Appleseed. In his hometown Springfield, Massachusetts, there is a park named after him. In Pennsylvania, people claim his first tree nursery is in Mansfield, and there is his monument in South Park.² Consider visiting a landmark for Johnny Appleseed near you. Share the stories about him with others, and don’t forget to post #johnnyappleseed and #motherearthproducts on social media.

Although the day is not a popular holiday, people who celebrate it do by planting apple trees or savoring apples or apple products. Savor a delicious apple and share it with your family and friends. Here are three apple recipes you can try out to commemorate the Johnny Appleseed Day.

1. Baked apples⁴

This dessert is perfect when you need a quick last-minute dessert fix. It is delicious and budget-friendly. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

4 apples
5 tablespoon granola
½ tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon soft brown sugar
½ orange zest and juice
1 ½ butter
Vanilla ice cream to serve

Method

Preheat the oven to 400° F.
Mix the granola, the sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and juice.
Heat oven to 350°-400° F. Mix the granola, the sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest and juice. Core apples and put them on a baking tray. Spoon the granola mixture into the hole, spooning over any juice left. Top each one with tablespoon of butter and bake for 30 minutes until soft and sticky. Serve with a scoop of crème fraîche or ice cream.

2. Spinach Apple salad⁵

Ingredients

1 apple
1 pear
Your favorite dressing
½ cup walnuts or pecans
3 cups spinach
3 cups mixed greens

Method

Make glazed walnuts or pecans by coating them with pure maple syrup. Simmer the nuts and maple syrup for 6 to 8 minutes in a non-stick skillet. Stir constantly to avoid it getting burned. Then remove from the heat. Place them in a parchment paper and let them cool at room temperature.
Prepare your favorite salad dressing. You can prepare it in advance and keep it refrigerated, but keep it in room temperature right before serving.
Remove the core from pear and apple. Then, cut them into thin slices.
Place the mixed greens and spinach on serving plates then top with the apples, pears, and walnuts. Pour the dressing. You can add machego cheese when you serve.

3. Apple Salad⁶

This apple salad is delicious and refreshing with the tart from lemon and pop of the marshmallows. Your family will thank you for it. Toast the nuts before adding for a crunchy feel.

Ingredients

½ inch cubed apples
1 cup celery, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 cup mini marshmallows
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Method

Toss apples and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add celery and marshmallow, and stir in mayonnaise. Cover and refrigerate until ready for serving. Stir in the pecans before you serve.

Happy Johnny Appleseed Day from us at Mother Earth Products. Do try out these recipes with our freeze dried products and share your feedback in the comments section below.