Now that I live in Washington, where the majority of all the apples consumed in the USA are grown, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot. Not only are multiple varieties of apples available everywhere, from the farmers market to Costco, but they are infused in the culinary culture. I have so much new inspiration for ways to use this fall treat in any and all ways possible. You too can add the taste of fall to your meals with crisp and sweet apples. Apples are long-lasting, nutritious, and inexpensive, making them a pantry staple. They are also great to add to packed lunches or snacks. Apples can be sweet, tart, soft and smooth, or crisp and crunchy, so sample different varieties to find your favorites. Eat raw, bake, or cook — but enjoy them now, at the height of their season.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away?
Apples are a source of vitamin C and both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps to prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls, improving heart health. The insoluble fiber in apples provides bulk in the intestinal tract, aiding digestion. To get the most health benefits and flavor, eat apples with their skin.
Selecting and storing:
Select firm apples with shiny skins that are free of bruises and punctures. Keep apples refrigerated so that they stay crisp.
15 Awesome ways to feed your family with Apples:
- Apple cinnamon pancakes
- Apple muffins
- Diced to top muesli / granola / oatmeal
- Dried apples (pack for snack, lunch, or serve on a cheese plate)
- Pork chops with apples and onions
- Waldorf salad
- Apple, cabbage, carrot slaw
- Warm lentil salad with apples and squash
- Butternut squash and apple soup
- Homemade applesauce
- Sliced apples with nut or seed butter
- Grilled cheese and apple sandwiches
- Apple crumble, crisp, pie
- Baked apples
- Mashed sweet potatoes with apples
Did you know? Interesting apple facts from the Washington Apple Commission (test your family members to see if they know this):
- More than half of all apples grown in the United States for fresh eating come from orchards in Washington state.
- One apple has five grams of fiber, supplying 20 percent of the daily fiber recommendation.
- Washington apples are sold in all 50 states and more than 50 countries.
- 10 – 12 billion apples are handpicked in Washington State each year.
- Each Washington apple is picked by hand. There are no harvest machines to pick apples.
- About 2,500 known varieties of apples are grown in the United States. More than 7,500 are grown worldwide.
- Americans eat approximately 19 pounds of fresh apples annually, compared to about 46 pounds consumed annually by residents of European countries.
- Red Delicious is the apple variety named as favorite by most consumers.
Kids cook too!
Here are some kid-friendly recipes (older kids can make these snacks on their own) from the Washington Apple Commission. http://www.healthychoices.org/files/documents/fruit_snacks.pdf
Stay sweet!
