The apple of one's eye refers to a thing or person that one loves above all others, one's favorite person or object, and something of which he is proud. It didn't take long for the apple of one's eye to become a metaphor for anything valuable. Today, the term has expanded to include anyone or anything that is loved or admired by one's heart. The word "apple" comes from a Greek phrase meaning "without peer," because apples were the only fruits available to the ancient Greeks and Romans. However, today many other fruits are grown for market consumption. Apples are members of the rose family and contain a mixture of water and sugar in varying amounts depending on the variety. The most common varieties are Apple (a general term used for any fruit with an apple shape), Bramley, Cortland, Empire State, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Macoun, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Rome Beauty, Sunrise, Tumbler, and Wild Apple. Apples were prized for their beauty as well as their taste. They were used in medicine and in cooking; they served as symbols of love and fidelity. Today, people still use apples as a symbol of love - especially marriage - because they are such a popular fruit that can be used in so many ways both sweet and sour. An apple placed in water brings good luck!