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Apples are the most versatile fruit. With so many varieties to choose from, the options for use are endless. In addition to making a perfect snack, they are excellent to cook with and offer great health benefits.
An apple a day
The old saying is true – apples are healthy for you! Apples are low-calorie, but contain a good amount of dietary fiber. This fiber can help to give you that “full feeling,” making it a good in-between meals snack idea. Food writer Michael Pollan coined the “apple rule” of hunger: if you’re not hungry enough to eat an apple, then you’re not really hungry; if you are hungry enough to eat an apple, then start by eating an apple!
Studies have shown that eating apples can reduce levels of “bad cholesterol,” LDL. There are many other benefits to apples which we will go over in a later blog.
Picking: When choosing apples, be sure to look for those with a clean, firm skin (check them for any cuts or bruises) and make sure they have a bright color.
Storing: Apples should be stored in a cool, dark place and if stored properly, can keep for weeks.
Enjoying: Apples are such a versatile fruit. You can bake with them making pies, tarts, crisps, muffins – the list can go on and on. On the stove top you can make apple sauce for yourself, and if you have a little one at home, baby apple sauce is always a hit. In my family we prefer to dry the apples in our dehydrator, adding yummy cinnamon spice. Another dehydrator favourite is homemade fruit roll ups. With apples, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
Some varieties of apples are better in certain dishes. So, what’s the best apple for the occasion?
Pies and Tarts: Golden Delicious, Pippin, Granny Smith, Gravenstein
Applesauce: Pippin, McIntosh, Fuji, Gala, Gravenstein, Macoun
Baking: Jonagold, Rome, Cortland, Granny Smith, Pippin, Gala, Braeburn, Gravenstein
Salads: Macoun, Golden Delicious, Cortland, Gala, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp
Eating: All of them!
Warm Canadian Winter Fruit Salad