Why an apple for the teacher?

Factual Questions
1

I just bought an apple-shaped “Teacher” trinket for my cousin in Europe, and I got to wonder where this practice of giving an apple to the teacher came from. It’s a clear association to me in the US, but I’m told she wouldn’t get it, so how can I explain it?

All I can think of is “A is for apple”–is that really all there is?

2

It’s also a clear association in the UK … I’d like to know its origin, too.

Wait a minute - isn’t the apple Eve gave to Adam supposed to signify “knowledge”?

Julie

3

Teachers in rural districts used to receive part of their wages in food, especially vegetables.

Finish the connection yourselves.