NUTRITION
Fruits:
Apple – Does eating an apple every day really keep the doctor away? Apples are certainly popular—ranking among the top three fruits produced around the world. They are easy to store and transport, and as a result, are typically available year-round in the U.S. In this piece we’ll explore how apples may benefit health and the best types for baking versus munching straight off the core.
Apple is a great source of:-
- Fiber, insoluble and soluble
- Phytochemicals (quercetin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, anthocyanin)
- Vitamin C
One serving, or one medium apple, provides about 95 calories, 0 gram fat, 1 gram protein, 25 grams carbohydrate, 19 grams sugar (naturally occurring), and 3 grams fiber.
Apples are rich in quercetin and pectin, both of which are credited for supplying apples with their health benefits. [1] Quercetin is a flavonoid, a type of naturally occurring plant chemical that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Pectin is a type of soluble fiber that may help prevent constipation and have a modest effect on lowering LDL, the “bad” cholesterol. Pectin is also fermented by beneficial bacteria in the colon, which produces short chain fatty acids that may play a role in the prevention of chronic diseases, including certain cancers and bowel disorders.
Fresh, whole apples offer the most nutrients. Discarding the skin removes much of the fiber and the majority of flavonoids. Dehydrating or drying the apples removes vitamin C, which is predominantly in the flesh. In addition, sugar (along with extra calories) is often added to dried apples. Clear apple juice undergoes filtering and pasteurization, which removes most of the flavonoids and fibers.
Storage :
To prolong freshness, store in the refrigerator in the crisper drawer. They will usually remain fresh for at least 1-2 months, if not longer. Apples are a climacteric fruit, meaning that they continue to ripen after harvesting due to emitting a gas called ethylene. Cold temperatures slow down the production of ethylene. Even so, apples will still emit some ethylene when refrigerated and can speed the ripening of other produce stored nearby. Store apples in their own drawer apart from other produce to prevent this from happening.
If stored at room temperature, the enzymes and ethylene gas in apples quicken ripening. They will last on your counter for about 1-2 weeks but the texture can change during this time.
Different types of apples:
Red Delicious
Crunchy and Mildly Sweet
Meet the world’s favorite snacking apple. The heart-shaped Red Delicious features a bright red and sometimes striped skin. Renowned for its crunchy texture and mildly sweet flavor, this tasty apple shines in cool, crisp salads.
Uses: snacking, salads
History:
Introduction to Market: 1874
Place of Origin: Peru, Iowa
Parentage: Unknown, discovered as a chance seedling on the farm of Jesse Hiatt. Originally known as Hawkeye.
Season: August – July
Crunchy and Mildly Sweet
Gala
Crisp and Very Sweet
You’ll go gaga for Gala! This crisp, aromatically-sweet apple features pink-orange stripes atop a pretty yellow background. Delicious in salads, pies, and sauces, the Gala’s popularity is on the rise around the world.
Uses: snacking, salads, baking, beverages, pies, sauce
History:
Introduction to Market: 1965
Place of Origin: New Zealand
Parentage: Cross of Kidd’s Orange and Golden Delicious apples
Season: August – July
Fuji
Crunchy and Super Sweet
Enjoy the full flavor of a Fuji! A crunchy, super-sweet and flavor-forward apple, the Fuji can be enjoyed as an everyday snack as well as in pies, sauces, baking and more.
Uses: snacking, salads, baking, beverages, pies, sauce, freezing
History:
Introduction to Market: 1962
Place of Origin: Japan
Parentage: Cross of Red Delicious and Ralls Janet apples
Season: August – July
Granny Smith
Crunchy and Tart
Tempt your taste buds with tart Granny Smith apples! Known for its delicious tart flavor and pleasing crunch, the Granny Smith apple’s popularity comes as no surprise. What’s more, it’s a go-to apple variety for snacking and is a favorite of pie bakers. Granny Smiths are great in all kinds of recipes, such as salads, sauces, baking, freezing, and more.
Uses: snacking, salads, baking, beverages, pies, sauce, freezing
History:
Introduction to Market: 1868
Place of Origin: Australia
Parentage: Believed to be descended from French Crabapples cultivated by Australian grandmother Maria Ann Smith.
Season: August – July
Honeycrisp
Crisp and Distinctly Sweet
The Honeycrisp apple’s name says it all! Pleasantly crisp, sweet and juicy, this popular apple features a beautiful bright red skin mottled with pale green. Its complex flavor is subtly tart, and is a versatile ingredient for recipes ranging from sweet to savory. As a snack, Honeycrisp apples burst with juice with every bite, and they are also a delicious addition to salads, pies, sauces, and baked goods.
Uses: snacking, salads, baking, beverages, pies, sauce
History:
Introduction to Market: 1991
Place of Origin: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
Parentage: Cross between a Keepsake apple and an unknown variety
Season: September – May
Pink Lady® (Cripps Pink cv.)
Crunchy and Sweet-Tart
Bask in the sweet blush of Pink Lady® (Cripps Pink cv.)! Loved by snackers and bakers alike for its unique sweet-tart flavor and firm, crisp flesh, this beauty of an apple is a crowd pleaser. Named for its bright pink skin, this versatile apple is great for eating fresh out of hand as well as in salads, pies, sauces, baking, and freezing.
Uses: snacking, salads, baking, beverages, pies, sauce, freezing
History:
Introduction to Market: 1985
Place of Origin: Australia
Parentage: Cross between Golden Delicious and Lady Williams
Season: November – July
Golden Delicious
Crisp and Sweet
The Golden Delicious is a perfect pick for any recipe. Sweet and mellow, this crisp apple has a tender golden skin, and its flesh stays white after slicing for longer than other apple varieties. Reach for a Golden Delicious as an all-purpose apple for snacking, salads, baking, freezing, sauces, and more.
Uses: snacking, salads, baking, beverages, pies, sauce, freezing
History:
Introduction to Market: 1914
Place of Origin: Clay County, West Virginia
Parentage: Unknown, perhaps the chance seedling can be traced to Golden Reinette and Grimes Golden
Season: August –July
