The Mystery of Fruit Names: Oranges and Apples

In the world of fruits, names play a significant role in how we perceive and interact with them. This article explores the curious naming conventions of oranges and apples, questioning why certain fruits are named based on their colors while others are not.

The Naming of Oranges

The fruit orange has a unique naming history. It wasn't named after the color we know today, but rather the reverse. The color orange took its name from the fruit orange, which developed in the tropics. This is a fascinating example of how certain names can be intertwined with the development of a fruit. Here's why:

The orange fruit was first developed in tropical climates and named accordingly. Unlike the apple, which was developed in temperate climates and named much later, the orange received its name before the color orange came into common usage.

The Naming of Apples

Apples, on the other hand, present a different naming scenario. There are many varieties of apples, each with its own unique color. Not all apples are red; in fact, some of the green and orange varieties are quite popular. The names of certain apple varieties such as yellow delicious, green granny smith, and orange pippin reflect their color.

Why the Difference in Naming?

The discrepancy in naming conventions between oranges and apples can be attributed to their development and naming timelines. The orange fruit developed its name first, which then influenced the color orange. In contrast, the apple fruit was developed later, and its name did not necessarily correlate with its color. This highlights the intricate relationship between color and naming conventions in the culinary world.

Some might argue that apples are simply not named after their colors, which raises the question of why:

Not all apples are red. The red delicious apple is named after its appearance, but is it representative of all apples?

The renaming of fruits can cause confusion and occasionally amusement. For example, if apples were named after their colors, the fruit green granny smith might lead to a series of jokes and misunderstandings. Here are a few examples:

Apple Farmers: Imagine the response from cherry farmers if apples were all called red! That wouldn't go over well. Apple Juices: What color would apple juice and orange juice be if apples were simply colored variants? New York City Tourism: Modern marketing strategies for tourist attractions in New York City might need a serious rethink if all apples were red. “Hey honey, wanna go to the Big Red on vacation”? Steve Jobs: Perhaps dealing with Steve Jobs about branding would be simpler, but the cultural and naming aspects would remain. Adam and Eve: The phrase "You are the apple of my eye" might already be confusing enough, but adding an all-red narrative would make it even more challenging. Poetic Naming: Names like "Johnny Red Seed" might not have resonated with the cultural norms of the past.

In conclusion, the naming of fruits is a fascinating aspect of human culture and history. While the color of fruits influences our perception and marketing, the naming conventions often have their own unique stories and reasoning behind them.