Apple cider, apple juice, apple pie, applesauce, apple crisp, apple cake…the list goes on and on! The ubiquitous apple conjures up a number of images—the heralding of autumn, the most predictable food in the lunch bag, the comforting aromas of Thanksgiving pies, and a symbol that has become associated with health. Apples are so common that they are often taken for granted. But whether you’re an apple polisher, an apple eater, a bad apple, the apple of someone’s eye, or as American as apple pie, there’s still a lot to learn about this delicious, nutritious, and versatile fruit.
Apples are delicious, low in calories, portable, versatile, and inexpensive. And apples come in many shades of red, green, and yellow, making them just as pleasing to the eye as to the palate.
Apples can be sweet, tart, crisp, and crunchy, or soft and smooth, depending on the type you choose. There’s a type of apple to suit almost anyone’s taste, but most people have only tried a few of the common types. Somevarieties of apples in the United States include:
Other popular varieties of apples include Braeburn, Cameo, Ginger gold, Honey Crisp, and Pink Lady.
Apples have many nutrition benefits. They are low in calories, have no fat, and are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. This chart shows the nutrient content of one apple.
One medium (2½ inch) apple, fresh, raw, with skin | |
---|---|
Calories | 81 |
Carbohydrate | 21 grams |
Dietary fiber | 4 grams |
Calcium | 10 milligrams (mg) |
Phosphorus | 10 mg |
Iron | 0.25 mg |
Sodium | 0.00 mg |
Potassium | 159 mg |
Vitamin C | 8 mg |
Vitamin A | 73 IU |
Folate | 4 micrograms (mcg) |
For the most appetizing apple-eating experience, follow these tips for selecting, storing, and preparing apples:
Baked Apples
Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Combine vinegar, juice, butter, and sugar in a 13- by 9-inch glass baking dish. Cut off top ¾ inch of apples to make lids. Scoop out cores with a melon-ball cutter and replace lids. Put apples in baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in middle of oven until very tender but still intact, 1 to 1 ¼ hours.
Transfer apples to plates and boil pan juices with brandy in a saucepan until reduced to about 1 cup. Fill apples with crème fraiche and serve with sauce.
Makes 8 servings.
Source: Gourmet, October 2001
Apple-Tortellini Salad
Ingredients:
Combine apple juice concentrate, corn syrup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic salt, and pepper. Cover dressing and refrigerate.
Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and cool thoroughly. In large mixing bowl, combine tortellini and remaining ingredients. Toss gently with apple juice dressing and serve immediately. Makes six 1-1/3 cup servings.
Source: Michigan Apple Committee
RESOURCES:
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/Public/
United States Apple Association
http://www.usapple.org
References:
Knekt P, Kumpulainen RJ, et al. Flavonoid intake and risk of chronic diseases. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2002:76:560-568.
United States Apple Association. Available at: http://www.usapple.org.
Washington Apple Commission. Available at: http://www.bestapples.com/.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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