Have an Apple to Mark Johnny Appleseed Day

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - The old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is being followed by many Americans this spring in honor of Johnny Appleseed Day on March 11.

According to UPI , legendary pioneer John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, died on March 11, 1845 in Allen County, Ind.

According to FitSugar.com , the best way to celebrate the special day in honor of Chapman, who spread apple seeds wherever he went, is best celebrated by eating the healthy fruit itself. The blog recommends making baked apples, complete with walnuts, honey and dried cranberries, for a tasty and healthy dessert this March.

HolidayInsights.com also suggests preparing an apple-rich menu on Thursday, including fresh apples to snack on, sipping on some apple cider, adding some applesauce to a meal and indulging in apple pie for dessert.

Making plans to plant an apple tree when the weather is warmer, is another way to recognize Johnny Appleseed Day.

According to eHow.com , Appleseed was a nurseryman who planted apple trees along Pennsylvania and New York, before moving west.

The nature lover reportedly didn't ask for anything in return, he just planted trees for free as he traveled westward out of pure devotion to the environment and his love for the produce.

Other ways Americans mark the day, include parents taking children to the library to find books about Appleseed to read together and teachers having their students write short biographies on the legend.

For those who live in Indiana, a day trip to Johnny Appleseed Park a heritage park in Allen County may be in store.

According to the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District , the heritage park offers both youth and adult education programs that cover cultural history, including teachings of Chapman.