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The native home of the apple is not definitely known, but the tree originated probably in the area between the Caspian and the Black seas. Charred remains of apples have been found in the prehistoric lake dwellings of Switzerland. Archeologists have found evidence that humans have been enjoying apples since at least 6500 B.C.

Apples were a favorite fruit of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The apple was introduced to America by early settlers, who brought apple seeds with them.

The pilgrims planted the first United States apple trees in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Records of the Massachusetts Bay Company indicate that apples were grown in New England as early as 1630. Seeds were carried westward by missionaries, traders, and Native Americans. Folk hero Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) did indeed spread the cultivation of apples in the United States. He knew enough about apples, however, so that he did not distribute seeds, because apples do not grow true from seeds. Instead, he established nurseries in Pennsylvania and Ohio.