Everything You Need to Know about Johnny Appleseed Day

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. ² Known 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

Warm • Comforting • Budget-Friendly
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Bake Time: 30 min

This easy baked apple dessert is perfect for last-minute cravings. With a spiced granola center and citrus notes, it’s simple, delicious, and pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients

• 4 whole apples (any firm variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)

• 5 tbsp granola

• ½ tbsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp soft brown sugar

• Zest and juice of ½ orange

• 1½ tbsp butter, divided

• Vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix together the granola, cinnamon, brown sugar, orange zest, and juice.

3. Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling. Place them upright in a baking dish.

4. Spoon the granola mixture into the hollowed centers of each apple. Drizzle or spoon over any remaining juice from the bowl.

5. Top each apple with a small dollop (about ½ tbsp) of butter.

6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the tops are golden and slightly crisp.

7. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche.

Tips

• Use a melon baller or small spoon to core apples cleanly.

• Add chopped dried fruit or crushed nuts to the filling for texture.

• If your apples start to split during baking, lightly tent with foil to avoid burning.

2. Spinach Apple Salad⁵

Crisp • Refreshing • Lightly Sweet
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 min | No Cook Time

A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad combining leafy greens, crunchy sweet apples, and crisp glazed nuts. This version adds an elegant twist with freeze-dried apple dices in place of fresh slices—perfect for an easy, flavor-forward upgrade.

Ingredients

• ½ cup freeze-dried apple dices

• ½ cup walnuts or pecans

• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 3 cups fresh spinach

• 3 cups mixed greens (e.g., arugula, spring mix, or mesclun)

• Your favorite dressing, warmed to room temperature

• Optional garnish: Manchego cheese or another mild, slightly tangy cheese

Instructions

1. Make glazed nuts
   In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, combine the walnuts or pecans with maple syrup. Stir constantly for 6–8 minutes until nuts are coated in a sticky glaze. Remove from heat and spread on parchment paper to cool.

2. Prep the produce
   While nuts are cooling, have your dressing ready and at room temperature. No additional prep needed for fruits thanks to using freeze-dried apple dices.

3. Assemble the salad
   On a platter or individual plates, layer the fresh spinach and mixed greens. Top with a generous sprinkling of the freeze-dried apple dices and the cooled, glazed nuts over the salads.

4. Dress & finish
   Drizzle the prepped dressing over the assembled greens. Add optional Manchego or your preferred cheese on top for extra richness.

Tips

• Warm dressing slightly before serving—it enhances flavors and textures without wilting the greens.

• Substitute honey for maple syrup if you prefer in your nut glaze.

• For added crunch, toss in some roasted pumpkin seeds or your favorite granola.

• Store leftover glazed nuts in an airtight container—they’re great on oatmeal or yogurt the next day!

3. Apple Salad with Marshmallows & Celery⁶

Crisp • Sweet • Family-Friendly
Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Chill Time: 1–2 hrs

This refreshing apple salad offers a fun twist on the classic Waldorf-style side—featuring the surprising pop and sweetness of mini marshmallows, the crunch of toasted nuts, and keeping fresh texture front and center. Chill time allows those tart apple and citrus flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients

• ½ cup freeze‑dried apple dices

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (for freshness)

• ⅔ cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted

Instructions

1. Hydrate & add apple dices
   If desired, soak freeze‑dried apple dices briefly in water to tenderize. Drain and toss with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning.

2. Add remaining ingredients
   Fold in celery and mini marshmallows. Next, stir in mayonnaise until everything is evenly coated.

3. Chill for flavor
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to meld flavors.

4. Finish & serve
   Just before serving, fold in the toasted nuts for a satisfying crunch.

Tips

• To toast nuts: Warm chopped walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.

• Balance sweetness: The marshmallows soften and sweeten the salad—taste the salad after chilling and adjust the mayo or celery ratio to suit your preference.

• Variations: Substitute half the mayo with yogurt or lemon juice for a lighter dressing. For extra texture or variety, add dried fruits like cranberries or dates.

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.

References

1. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-johnny-appleseed-day-september-26/
2. http://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/johnny-appleseed-day/
3. https://www.britannica.com/story/was-johnny-appleseed-a-real-person
4. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/granola-baked-apples
5. https://www.acouplecooks.com/spinach-pear-and-apple-pecan-salad/
6. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/delicious-apple-salad/

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