September is apple month. With that said, don’t miss the delicious, locally grown apples ready for picking in the produce section at McCaffrey’s Market. 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 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.
September is “crunch” time. Grab a fresh apple and chomp away. Or, get creative with some of the following apple ideas:
- Enjoy the cozy, sweet taste of Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats to start your day. Prepared in just minutes, this nutritious breakfast recipe combines rolled oats, apples, and cinnamon for a flavor-packed, ready-to-eat morning treat.
- For a fun “green” twist, consider this Waldorf Salad. Apples chopped up into bite-sized pieces, alongside celery, walnuts, and grapes create a delightful and healthy side. With plenty of flavor and texture, this salad dressed with fat-free yogurt is literally guilt-free!
- 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 an elegant appetizer or quick snack, make these tasty Apple Canapés. Slice a crisp apple into rounds and top with feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey for a hint of sweetness.
- Summer may be over but grilling season continues into the fall. These tangy Chicken Kebabs, complete with crisp apples, will be a hit with the delicious sweet-and-sour marinade.
- 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.
Now that you are an apple connoisseur, consider all you can do with a simple apple. 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 salad, tuna salad, vegetable salad, and potato salad. Chopped apples are also a great addition to pasta and grain dishes. By the way…. 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.
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate apples in September. Pick up some fresh apples in the produce department at McCaffrey’s. Enjoy your tried-and-true favorites from Gala to Pink Lady or try a new variety. For a “crisp, snap away” feeling, take a bite into a Sugar Bee, Envy, or Cosmic Crisp apple. You won’t be disappointed!
