What was an apple called during colonial times?
Snow plums
Orchard melons
Earth pears
Winter bananas
Fact: Before the name “apple” became common, the crisp autumn fruit was actually called a “winter banana” during 17th-century America. The name reflected both its sweet flavor and its ability to last through the cold months—making it one of the few fruits that could be stored and enjoyed well into winter. Apples were a versatile staple in colonial kitchens, used for baking, drying, and especially for making cider. The term “winter banana” later became associated with a specific variety of apple, the pale yellow Winter Banana, which was developed in Indiana in the late 1800s but echoed the earlier naming tradition.
Correct Answer: Winter bananas