Apples

Delicious and nutritious

Not only are they an easy and tasty snack, apples are also packed with important nutrients. One medium apple with the skin left on provides valuable fiber, Vitamin C, antioxidants, water, and many other vitamins and minerals. It also provides 1 1/2 cups of fruit, almost reaching the daily recommended 2 cups of fruit.

Buying and storing

BUYING: Look for apples that are firm and without bruises or soft spots. Check the top and bottom of the apples for bruising and mold. Avoid apples that have shriveled skin.

STORING: Do not wash apples until ready to eat. Apples should be stored in the refrigerator. Keeping apples at room temperature will allow them to get mushy more quickly.

Preparing and cooking

Preparing

Rinse apples in cool water. While browning is a natural occurrence once cut, it does not change the taste or quality of the apple. If preferred, dip apple slices into a mix of 1 part lemon juice and 3 parts water before storing to reduce browning.

Baking

Baked apple dessert: Scoop out the core of each apple without cutting all the way through. Stuff each apple with a little brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Bake in 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

Microwaving

Core the apples. Cut into pieces and put in a microwave-safe dish with a little water. Cook about 3 to 5 minutes, or until soft.

Ways to enjoy apples

Fresh apples are a great snack or dessert.
Dip apple slices in peanut butter or serve with whole grain crackers and cheese for a quick and easy snack.
Add chopped apples to fruit salads or green salads.
Add to cold or hot whole grain cereal.
Add thin slices to sandwiches.
Add to smoothies.
Make apple chips: Slice apples very thin, spread out on a baking sheet, and cook at 200°F for about an hour.
Stir grated apples into waffle or pancake batter and cook as usual.
Use as part of yogurt parfaits.

Featured Recipes

Peanut butter and yogurt covered raisins between green apple slices.

Apple Smiles

Slice an apple into wedges. Spread one side with peanut butter. Top with raisins or small marshmallows for teeth. Place another apple slice on top.

Apple Salad

Wash the apple and vegetables.Collect, dice, grate, and measure all ingredients beforestarting to prepare the recipe.Toss apples with lemon juice in a bowl.Add celery, carrot, and raisins. Stir yogurt into the rest of the ingredients.Cover. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allowthe flavors to mix together. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Eat within 3 to 5days.