October is Apple month. With that said, don’t miss the delicious, locally grown apples ready for picking in the produce section at McCaffrey’s. Loaded with nutrition, a single medium apple offers 4 grams of fiber and plenty of vitamin c in a convenient 100 calorie package. What could be better? Sweet or tart, crisp or crunchy, there is an apple to suit almost everyone’s taste.
With so many varieties available, choosing the right apple (LINK TO VIDEO) is key to having the best apple experience. While biting into any apple is a rewarding experience, certain varieties, like Golden Delicious, work well in baking. Pink Lady and Fuji apples tend to be quite versatile, while Honeycrisp apples are best consumed fresh.
When selecting an apple, give it a sniff. A fresh, high-quality apple will have a pleasant aroma. This of course will vary by type. Some apples, like Gala, have a stronger fragrance than others. Also, apples should be firm to the touch. Avoid apples that are noticeably soft, mushy or indent easily after you press the skin. Softer apples aren’t necessarily bad. They are perfect for blending into smoothies or for making into homemade applesauce.
Apple month is “crunch” time. Grab that fresh apple and chomp away. Or, get creative with some of the following apple ideas:
- With some quick advanced prep, start your day with these Apple Pie Overnight Oats. This high fiber “breakfast-treat-in-a-jar” just happens to taste like a slice of fresh baked apple pie.
- Apples chopped up into bite size pieces offer texture and pop of flavor when mixed in with a vegetable salad. This classic Waldorf Salad, made with fat free yogurt is super light and easy to make. With about 100 calories a serving, this salad is guilt-free.
- Or, try this fresh Escarole Salad. With the health benefits of dark green leafy vegetables and the nutritional gifts of apples, this recipe is truly in the win category as far as fall salads are concerned.
- Try this surprising Guacamole recipe that incorporates a peeled and diced Granny Smith apple in with creamy avocado and a jalapeno pepper to create a party favorite or a delicious spread for avocado toast.
- If you are in search of a healthy dessert, look no further. This classic Apple Crumble includes a blend of fall apples along with warm and cozy spices sprinkled with a light and crumbly oat topping. This dessert offers comfort in every bite and embodies the spirit of autumn.
- For a quick snack, dip apple slices into vanilla yogurt or spread a bit of nut butter over apple slices. Or, try these Peanut Butter Apple Wedges.
- Make a chutney: Finely dice a Gala apple and a Bartlett pear. Mix the fruit together along with 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 Tablespoon of chopped cilantro, 1 clove finely chopped garlic, ¼ c finely chopped red onion and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Chill at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. This quick recipe makes 4 – ½ cup servings. Enjoy the chutney on a turkey sandwich, on a pork chop or a piece of grilled chicken.
- This Harvest Vegetable dish incorporates the best of the fall season with plenty of root vegetables complimented with tart Granny Smith apples. This dish can be made in advance so be sure to keep this recipe on hand for the Thanksgiving table.
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate apples in October and all year long. Remember, the next time you see an apple on the counter, cut it up and add it to just about anything, from hot or cold cereal to stir fries and muffins. Chopped apples add texture and flavor to chicken, tuna, vegetable, and potato salads. Chopped apples are also a great addition to pasta and grain dishes. Did you know apples can be frozen? Slice (peel if desired) and place on a cooking sheet. Once frozen, put in a zip lock freezer bag. Frozen apples work best in cooked apple dishes, soups, or smoothies.
Here’s to Apple Month!
