National Apple Betty Day

National Apple Betty Day is a celebration of the delicious American dessert made from fruits, sweetened crackers, nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon sauce, and whipped cream. Its flavor is unforgettable and its ingredients take you straight to the coziness of autumn.

History

The origin of the dessert is unknown and there is some debate as to whether its predecessor is bread pudding. However, the name “Brown Betty” is thought to have come from African-American Betty Brown, whose skin color is reflected in the dessert. It was first published in the Yale Literary Magazine in 1864 and since then has become a popular staple on tables across America. The recipe won the American Public Health Association’s Lomb Prize for its practicality and economy in 1890.

Interesting facts

• Apple Betty is the favorite dessert of Ronald Wilson Reagan (40th President of America).
• The apple tree is one of the oldest crops, with evidence of cultivation as early as the 7th century BC.
• The largest fruit was grown by a Japanese in Hirosaki in 2005 and weighed 1,849 kg.
• Apples are known to lower blood cholesterol levels and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
• George Washington (first US president) relieved stress by pruning apple trees in his garden.
• Apples are ideal for people with diabetes, as they contain fructose which reduces the need for sweets.
• Apple seeds contain potassium cyanide, a deadly poison, but in such small amounts that it cannot harm a person.

How to take part

If you’d like to take part in National Apple Betty Day, consider cooking the dessert at home with your family. There are many recipes to choose from, or you could visit a restaurant that serves the dish or order it for home delivery.

When is National Apple Betty Day in 2023?

National Apple Betty Day is observed on October 5 each year.

Observations