Food of the Week: Apples

Written by LaTara Ham-Ying on April 25, 2007 at April 25th, 2007

We have all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but many of us have not taken the time to find out why. Granted that eating on apple a day will not necessarily keep the doctor away, but it sure does help.

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Apples are a source of soluble and insoluble fiber; which are both are necessary for proper functioning of the body. Insoluble fiber is a wonder drug for your body’s digestive system and soluble fiber, such as pectin, works at preventing cholesterol build-up in the linings of the blood vessel walls. So eating an apple does help to keep your body moving.The skin of the apple is a necessary component for us as well. It increases the insoluble fiber and most of the vitamin C in apples is found directly under the skin.

Apples are also full of Vitamin A, anti-oxidants, and phytochemicals.

There are many type of apples. Some are tart, some are sweet, some are soft and smooth, some are crisp and crunchy. There are apples for every taste; from the tart taste of a crunchy Granny Smith to the sweet flavor of the Fugi. The most popular apple is the Red Delicious with a dark red skin and semi-sweet flavor.

Here in Chicago we have a friend who drives to Michigan at harvesting time and picks some delicious Michican Apples.

Storage of Apples

Early picked apples should be immediately refrigerated and eaten as soon as possible, but late-ripening varieties will keep for about a month.

Be sure to check for rotten apples because they will spoil the whole bunch. And the whole bunch does not have to be just apples.

How to Use and Eat Apples

Apples for the most part are best eatan raw. Just take a bite and enjoy. You can also juice and apple for ultimate benefits. Cooking apples will deplete the nutrition content. However, you can do a quick apple saute without compromising much of the nutritional value.

Eat apples fresh, baked, in pies, sauces, salads, jellies and preserves, or pressed into cider or juice.

Try my Apple Pieless dish or Apple Cranberry Salad for a change of paste.