The "Big Apple" - why an apple?

[Cadmus]

I was asked this earlier and i have been pretty unsuccessful in finding out why exactly is NYC's nickname 'the big apple'.

from the research i understand the origin is unclear so i was wondering if anyone on here could shed some light on why does the metaphore rely on the symbol of an apple as opposed to some other fruit. :)

thanks

[subversplat]

"Rotten at the core" is the second part of the saying that I've heard. Maybe that's got something to do with it?

[wiskey]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_apple

[Cadmus]

i've read the wikipedia article and it doesn't seem to answer my question but thanks.

[1927]

If I recall correctly there was some idea that it was a refernce to a whore house in NY. Will try and dig something out!

[Errol's son]

http://www.salwen.com/apple.html