Johnny Appleseed: The Man, The Myth, and the Magic of Apple Butter

Let's take a journey back in time to the life and legacy of Johnny Appleseed, a man who became a beloved figure in American folklore. Born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts, John Chapman, or Johnny Appleseed, as he became known, grew up on his family farm, where he developed a passion for apples.

In the early 1800s, Johnny embarked on a journey across the American frontier, which at that time included the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and the territory of present-day West Virginia. His travels were motivated by his love for apples and his desire to introduce the fruit to these vast new territories.

Johnny's story is filled with legends and anecdotes, one of which is his unique method of planting apple seeds. He would travel from town to town, carrying a leather bag filled with apple seeds collected from cider mills. Johnny would scatter these seeds along riverbanks, in open fields, and even in the backyards of settlers' homes. This earned him the nickname "Johnny Appleseed," and he became a beloved figure in American folklore.

But Johnny wasn't just a man who loved apples. He was also known for his kindness and generosity. He was a staunch vegetarian, believed in living in harmony with nature, and was famous for his love of animals. Johnny Appleseed was also a devout follower of the Swedenborgian Church, a Christian denomination that focused on the spiritual interpretation of the Bible.

It's important to note that while Johnny's apple trees did produce fruit, these apples were not the sweet, edible variety we are familiar with today. Instead, they were small, tart apples primarily used for making hard apple cider and applejack, popular alcoholic beverages during his time.

One of the most delightful treats that has become synonymous with Johnny Appleseed's story is apple butter. Apple butter is a thick, sweet spread made from apples, sugar, and spices, cooked slowly until the fruit is tender and the flavors meld together. It's a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on toast, stirred into oatmeal, or used as a topping for pancakes and waffles.

Although Johnny is not directly responsible for the creation of apple butter, his promotion of apple trees and the resulting abundance of apples helped popularize apple-based dishes, including apple butter. The process of making apple butter dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe, but it gained traction in America during the colonial era. Settlers would use apple butter as a way to preserve their apple harvest, ensuring they had a delicious and nutritious treat to enjoy throughout the winter months.

To celebrate the legacy of Johnny Appleseed, here is a recipe for a cozy apple cider drink with Golden Age Jams apple butter:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup Golden Age Jams apple butter

Directions:

1. Combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and cloves in a large pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the pot from the heat once the cider is hot and the spices are fragrant.
4. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the cider into a large bowl or pitcher.
5. Whisk in the Golden Age Jams apple butter until it is fully incorporated.
6. Pour the apple cider drink into mugs and serve hot.

Johnny Appleseed may be long gone, but his spirit lives on in the apples we eat, in the trees we plant, and in the kindness and generosity we show to one another. And in the delicious taste of apple butter, a treat that's closely associated with his legacy, we can honor his contributions to American culture and history.

As we enjoy this cozy apple cider drink with Golden Age Jams apple butter, let's take a moment to reflect on the remarkable life of Johnny Appleseed. He was a man who dedicated his life to spreading the joy of apples and the importance of living in harmony with nature. His legacy continues to inspire us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life and to give back to the world around us.

So let's raise a glass to Johnny Appleseed, a true American pioneer and a beloved figure in our nation's history. Cheers!