Hedge Apples
Apple or Orange?
Interestingly enough, hedge apples actually come from a type of tree known as an Osage-Orange tree. To add to the confusion, they tend to have the texture and shape of an orange. However, their color and interior are more closely related to a granny smith apple when you cut them open.
Can You Eat Them?
While they somewhat resemble and tend to smell like oranges, hedge apples aren’t really something that you will want to bring with you on a picnic. Most people actually tend to consider them inedible due to their unpalatable taste.
Natural Insect Repellent
Some are convinced that hedge apples act as a natural insect repellent. While this is true to an extent, the truth of the matter is that these apples only keep away insects in extremely concentrated doses. But, if you’re willing to do the work, they could help you out during the fall.
What Is A Hedge Apple?
A hedge apple is a spherically shaped fruit that is generally about the size of a regulation softball. While generally green, their shade can vary depending on the time of the season and the stage of their growth. They don’t have much in the way of importance when it comes to being a food source for local wildlife. Birds and other animals avoid them and find their taste repugnant. Humans also tend to avoid them in their diets. While you won’t want to necessarily eat one yourself, they do have other characteristics that make them potentially beneficial to have around.
Where Do They Come From?
Hedge apples ironically grow on what is commonly known as an Osage-orange tree (otherwise known as Maclura pomifera). These trees are generally not that large and tend to grow to only about 30 or 40 feet in size. The wood of the tree is generally bright orange immediately after it is cut and often produces a milky sap. That color, however, fades when exposed to sunlight and air into a shade of brown. Their wood is generally fairly durable when treated properly. In the history of the farming industry, the Osage-orange tree was used as a hedge in many areas.
What Are They Used For?
Oddly enough, the hedge apple is often used in homes to repel insects, specifically spiders. Essentially you are just supposed to take the fruit and place it in the problem area and its mere presence is enough to keep them at bay. A single hedge apple fruit is said to last up to almost three months before it needs a replacement. With that said, most studies show that their repelling nature is only present when you are dealing with highly concentrated extracts from the fruit. Try it for yourself and find out if it works by buying your supply today!
The hedge apple truly is a unique type of fruit. You don’t eat it, it looks odd, and it is generally used to repel insects like spiders. It has a certain allure that you just can’t deny. Make sure that you end up with your share of the harvest by pre-ordering hedge apples now. Learn more about Thunder Acre Farms while you’re at it!