Apples, a food available all year round, is especially plentiful now in North East Pennsylvania. Knowing the different and new varieties of apples is helpful when trying to fit them into our MyPlate eating plan.
My Plate eating plan suggests you fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. What kinds of apples do you like? Sweet or less sweet? How do you like to eat them? Baked, in salads or just as a snack? Learning the different varieties can help you find just the right variety for you. Here is a short list for easy reference:
Gala is more sweet and is very versatile. It can be baked, used in a salad or just as a snack.
Fuji is just a bit more sweeter. It can be baked, used in a salad or sauce, but can be frozen.
Granny Smith is less sweet. It’s a favorite for pie bakers because of its tart flavor. It can be used in salads, sauces and baked as well as frozen.
Honey Crisp is sweeter than a Granny Smith but not as sweet as a Gala or Fugi. It is great as a snack, in a salad, can be baked and used in pies and sauces.
Golden Delicious is a little less sweet than the Honey Crisp and it’s flesh stays whiter longer after slicing, It is an all-purpose apple that can be frozen.
Find your favorite apple at the store or farmers market. Here are some tips to help you select and store your apples:
Select firm apples free from bruises. To keep apples crisp, keep them cold. Apples ripen 8 to 10 times faster at room temperature.
Store apples in a sealed plastic bag in the hydrator drawer to prevent them from absorbing other food flavors and giving off ethylene gas. Apples produce a gas called ethylene gas. They can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen quickly. It is best to keep apples in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator away from other vegetables, especially lettuce, carrots, cauliflower. They should last two to four weeks in the refrigerator.
Always wash apples in plain water before eating.
Here is a great snack or a quick breakfast idea. Top with yogurt to complete the meal. Make it with your favorite variety of apples.
Quick and Easy Microwaved Apples
2 large apples
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp Raisins
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp margarine
Core apples. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins. Spoon the mixture onto the apples and place a teaspoon of margarine on top of sugar mixture. Place apples in a deep casserole dish. Cover with a lid. Microwave for 3 1/ to 4 minutes or until tender. Let apples sit for 2 minutes. Enjoy!
