What was an apple called during colonial times?
During colonial times, an apple was simply called an apple, but the term was used in a much broader and more utilitarian sense than it is today. While the word itself hasn’t changed, the cultural perception and primary use of the fruit have. Apples in that era were not primarily grown for eating, so a specific term wasn’t always needed, and they were often distinguished by their intended use.
Source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7i3Otne4Ts
https://www.threads.com/@beliproduk.official/post/DM8mDnpT9kZ