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How 'Bout Them Apples? A Guide to Apples in Neopia


by tylerhuyser

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*deep exhales* Ahh! I love this time of year. Brisk weather, crisp air, and leaves in every imaginable hue! My favourite part of fall? Well, my name wouldn’t be Bart Biggsby if I didn’t say, “A-P-P-L-E-S!”

     As autumn arrives, so does the ripening of my favourite fruit. When it comes to apples, the fun never ends. During ‘Apple Season’, I like to pick golden, delicious apples straight from the tree, bake mouthwatering apple pies while visiting my Nana, and sip on steaming apple cider while sitting around the fire at the Wanderer’s Camp. And, of course, I cannot forget the exhilarating joy of apple bobbing!

     Fortunately, Neopia offers a delightful assortment of apple-themed treasures to help you celebrate ‘Harvest Season’ in style. In between shifts at my Apple Bobbing Stall and volunteering at the NeoHospital (Side Note: Has anyone else noticed the recent epidemic in Blurred Vision cases?), I've put together a guide to make the most of this scrumptious season.

     ***

     6. Cosy Warm Apple

     Let’s kick off this list with one of my all-time favourites: the trusty, dependable ‘ole Cosy Warm Apple. Wrapped snugly in a warm, cosy scarf, this apple is bundled up and ready to embrace autumn!

     Native to the northern edges of the Haunted Woods, near the southern slopes of Terror Mountain, this apple is reputed to be the ultimate choice for making cider. But personally, I love keeping one of these beauties close as a companion to partake in the season’s festivities—hayrides, corn mazes, trips to the orchard… well, maybe not those.

     Of course, by the end of the season, even I can’t resist turning this delectable gem into a batch of mulled cider. After all, no apple should go to waste!

     5. Apple Filled Gourd

     Aside from apples, the arrival of fall brings with it many occasions to feast, and every feast ignites the age-old debate over which type of pie reigns supreme. The two most popular contenders are apple and pumpkin (and I’m sure you can guess which choice I prefer). But what if I told you that you didn’t have to make a choice? What if I told you that there was a way to join both flavours in perfect harmony?

     The Apple Filled Gourd lives up to its name. From the outside, the yellow-orange shell might look like your typical gourd. However, when you cut it open, it is literally brimming with apples! For your next feast, I suggest picking up an Apple Filled Gourd from the Neovian farmer’s market—they should be perfectly ripe this time of year.

     Simple purée the gourd and layer with thin apple slices—season both with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. *Presto!* You’ll have whipped up a delicious dessert that even the grouchiest of ghouls will enjoy! Just last year, at Eliv Thade’s Hallows Eve party, this pie got the Brain Tree and the Esophagor to forget their feud—for just one night!

     4. Elderly Apple

     Move over Granny Smith! There’s only room for one grandma in my house, and that ‘grandma’ is the Elderly Apple.

     As I mentioned before, I love visiting my Nana during the fall and baking apple pies. However, she lives far, far away, and sometimes I go weeks—even months—without seeing her! Keeping an Elderly Apple around the house is the next best thing.

     Elderly Apples reflect the warm, caring, and nurturing ethos embodied by our favourite grandmothers. Year-round, my Elderly Apple gives me helpful tips when baking treats, reminds me to put on my sweater when it’s cold outside, and even reads me bedtime stories whenever I’m suffering from a seasonal cold. Honestly, I don’t know how I’d get by without my Elderly Apple keeping me company!

     3. Apple Jelly Apple

     There is so much to enjoy with the Apple Jelly Apple. Firstly, even the name of this unique specimen is fun to say. It sort of bounces as it rolls off the tongue. Most important is the flavour, which combines the familiar tartness of a Granny Smith with the sweetness of jelly! At first glance, it looks like a perfectly normal apple—crisp, glossy, and ripe. But one bite reveals its secret: instead of the expected crunch, you're met with a soft, wobbly, jelly-like consistency! It’s as if the apple has been magically transformed into a chewy, sweet treat. Legends say that these apples are grown in the hidden orchards of Jelly World—though, of course, Jelly World doesn't exist… right? Whether you believe the tales or not, the Apple Jelly Apple offers a fun twist on a classic favourite, making it a must-try for any adventurous Neopian during the autumn harvest.

     2. Apple Chia Morphing Potion

     Do you love apples so much that you want to just become one? If that’s the case, then I suggest buying an Apple Chia Morphing Potion. No need for Magical Plushies or Chia Pops. Just one sip of this magical potion and you’ll transform into the object of your desire: a crisp, green apple! Whether you’re heading to the orchard or paying a visit to my Apple Bobbing Stall, your Apple Season spirit will be worn on your sleeve for all to see.

     *sighs* Oh, how I long to one day take a sip of this potion and transform into the apple of my eye. But, being the Apple Bobbing attendant, I can’t risk one of my attendants thinking that I am their prize (especially when they begin to suffer from Blurred Vision, after dunking their heads in the murky waters of my apple barrel). *ho hum* Maybe one day, when I retire…

     1. Everlasting Apple

     This list wouldn’t be complete without the Everlasting Apple. It is said that this apple is the tastiest in all of Neopia. It is said to be juicy and sweet, but balanced with tartness in every bite. All it takes is a single bite for a pet to become bloated. Best of all, this apple’s magic means that it’ll never become a core. Yes, you heard me correctly. No matter how many bites are taken from this apple, it will never get any smaller. It is said that this fabled apple is always in stock at Fyora’s Hidden Tower. However, if you’re a poor rascal like me, then I suggest checking out the Rubbish Dump…

     ***

     So, as the leaves change and the air turns crisp, remember that the beauty of fall in Neopia is as plentiful as the apples on the trees. Whether you’re indulging in the whimsical delights of the Apple Jelly Apple, transforming into a fruity version of yourself with the Apple Chia Morphing Potion, or savouring the enchanting sweetness of the Everlasting Apple, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate this delicious season. So grab your cozy scarf, gather your friends, and dive headfirst into the delightful world of apples!

 
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