An Apple A Day

The Amazing Apple

It’s apple season! Are you ready to enjoy all things apples this fall? Apples are nature’s perfect food. They are incredibly good for you and eating an apple a day, as they say, can keep the doctor away. Apples can lower the risk of many major diseases, including diabetes and cancer.  An apple’s soluble fiber content may promote weight loss and gut health. Apples come in so many different varietals you are sure to have a favourite. Some are great for cooking into scrumptious apple sauce, some are perfect for apple pie and they are all great straight off the tree.

The Health Benefits of Apples

An Apple a day…… Is it good to eat an apple a day? Yes! As one of the most cultivated and consumed fruits in the world, apples are continuously being praised as a miracle food. They are delicious, nutritious, easy to pack and come in so many different varietals you’re sure to find one to call your favourite.

Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C.

Apples contain B-complex vitamins (riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B-6) – these vitamins are key in maintaining red blood cells and the nervous system in good health.

Apples promote heart health in several ways. They’re high in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol. They also have polyphenols, which are linked to lower blood pressure and stroke risk.

Apples contain minerals such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

Eat the apple peel as most of the fibre and antioxidants are in the peel.

The Many Varietals of Apples

How many varieties are there? Literally thousands! There are 2500 varieties of apples grown in North America.

The most popular varietals are:

Ambrosia

These popular apples are sweet as honey and are great for baking, pies, salads and beverages.

Granny Smith

A favourite for many, Granny Smith’s are crunchy and tart and great in salads, pies, sauce and baking.

Red Delicious

These beauties are crunchy and mildly sweet and excellent in salads.

Nicola

This varietal is sweet and aromatic with juicy, creamy flesh. They are perfect for snacking, salads, pies and sauces.

Gala

Gala apples are crisp and very sweet and great in salads and sauces.

Honey Crisp

Crisp and distinctly sweet. This varietal is great in salads, pies and great for baking.

McIntosh

Sweet and crisp and best enjoyed fresh, in baking, in beverages and sauces.

Spartan

Sweet & succulent with a crunchy, snowy white flesh. These apples are perfect for picnics, salads, pies and sauces.

Golden Delicious

These apples are sweet and rich and perfect for snacking!

How To Select and Store Your Apples

Its easy to pick the perfect apple. To check the apple’s firmness pick up the apple and gently press a small area of the fruit’s skin. It should be firm to the touch. Avoid apples that are noticeably soft, discolored, or indent easily after you press the skin.

Store your apples in a cool basement, garage, shed, fruit cellar or refrigerator.

Tips For Preparing and Cooking

Apple skin becomes tough and it will not break down when cooked. Use a vegetable peeler, instead of a knife, it’s faster and removes less flesh.

Don’t throw the apple peels away- use them! Store the peels in the freezer and use them to steep a tea, add them to a simmering oatmeal or add them to a smoothie.

Try using a melon baller to core your apples- quick and easy!

Enjoy Apples In Your Fall Baking Apples add that certain fall flavour we all love. Enjoy apples in your salads, baking and charcuterie boards.

Grilled Brie with Apples, Honey and Walnuts

One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Maple Walnut Apple Crisp

Apple Cranberry Muffins

Old Fashioned Apple Pie

Local Is Best! What’s better than apples? Local apples and we’re proud supporters of local apple growers like Blair and Elaine Dunlop, Natalina Araujo and Wes Burdick.