Apples are the most available fruit in the U.S., according to the USDA, with lots of tasty options to choose from. And according to the International Fresh Produce Association, more than three out of four households (78 percent) brought home the sweet pick in 2022, second only to bananas when it comes to fruit.

I’m a huge fan for many reasons. For one, they offer so much in terms of nutrition. They’re rich in fiber, specifically pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help keep you regular and may also reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol. They also contain quercetin, a flavonoid buried in the apple’s skin, that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

In addition, apples are portable, available year-round (peak season is September to October), come in so many delicious varieties and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Apples are beyond appealing (lol)…they’re a dream come true for nutritionists. Read on to learn why and how to use them to make mouthwatering creations.

Live apple-y ever after: All about apples

Apples are the most available fruit in the U.S., according to the USDA, with lots of tasty options. And according to the International Fresh Produce Association, more than three out of four households (78 percent) brought home the sweet pick in 2022, second only to bananas when it comes to fruit.

I’m a huge fan for many reasons. For one, they offer so much in terms of nutrition. They’re rich in fiber, specifically pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help keep you regular and may also reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol. They also contain quercetin, a flavonoid buried in the apple’s skin, that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

In addition, apples are portable, available year-round (peak season is September to October), come in so many delicious varieties and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Apples are beyond appealing, lol…they’re a dream come true for nutritionists. Read on to learn why and how to use them to make mouthwatering creations.

apple crumble in a white baking dish

Live apple-y ever after: Apple varieties

Apple varieties

Check out these awesome apple stats: There are 7,500 varieties grown throughout the world, 2,500 here in the U.S., although only 100 are grown commercially in the States (fun fact: apples are grown in every American state). You’ll likely find only about a dozen or so at your local supermarket, but you may score more unique or surprising kinds at your farmers market—be sure to ask for recommendations!

There are types that are better for cooking and baking, making sauce, tossing on a salad, and eating raw. The key is to know which varieties to pick for which uses, as tastes can range from sweet to tart to sour and textures can vary.

Best for baking
What to look for: Selections that provide a nice flavor (somewhere between sweet and tart) and have a firm texture so they won’t break down and will keep their shape during the cooking process. You can even try a combo of apples for a more interesting result.
Try: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Braeburn, Jonagolds, Crispin (also called Mutsu), Pink Lady

Best for eating
What to look for: You’ll want one that’s sweet and juicy with a crunchy consistency
Try: Gala, Red or Golden Delicious, Fuji, Ambrosia, Enterprise, Honey Crisp. If you enjoy a more tart apple, try Braeburn, McIntosh, Empire, Granny Smith.

Best for a salad
What to look for: An apple that doesn’t brown quickly and is firm enough to hold its shape and provide a nice crunch.
Try: Ambrosia, Cortland, Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp

Best for applesauce
What to look for: Tender with a sweet flavor, although you can also choose tart apples if you prefer it slightly less sweet
Try: Mcintosh, Braeburn, Macoun, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala

Live apple-y ever after: Apple picking

Apple picking

Now is the perfect time to go apple picking—most orchards are open to the public in September or early October. Simply Google to find a farm or orchard near you, then plan your day. You can read reviews and find the best farms—closest isn’t always the best. You may also want to call ahead to ask which apples are available, as different orchards will grow different kinds at different times. And don’t forget to bring a reusable bag to stash your precious loot.

You’ll want to steer clear of trees with apples strewn on the ground. This is a sign that it has past the point of ripeness. When you’ve found your tree, choose apples from the outer part of the tree first, as apples ripen from the outside first. Next, gently pull and twist the apple off the tree. If it doesn’t come off easily, it’s probably not ready to pick. Move onto another one.

Leave the stems on your apples—this will help keep them fresh. And gently place your apples in your bag to avoid bruising them. Wash apples only when you’re ready to eat or use them; this will help prevent them from spoiling sooner. Keep them in the crisper away from other fruits—apples emit a gas that can speed the ripening of other produce, so it’s best that they’re stored solo. Apples will stay fresh for a month or two in the fridge (love long-lasting produce!), which will allow you to whip up plenty of amazing apple creations.

Apple PB Samoas on a plate

Live apple-y ever after: Apple trivia

Test your apple IQ:

  1. Did you know that 25 percent of an apple’s volume is air, which is why they float?
  2. Did you know that bobbing for apples, which is a common Halloween festivity, actually started in Europe as a way for young lovers to court each other? And just think…today, we root for true love and the final rose on reality TV, ha!
  3. Did you know that most apples are still picked by hand?
  4. Did you know apple pie isn’t actually American? It originated in England.

If you knew at least two of these fun facts, give yourself a round of apple-ause 😉

Live apple-y ever after: Appealing apple recipes

Countless ways to enjoy them apples

I enjoy apples…dipped in peanut butter as a quick and satisfying snack…chopped up and added to salads for a sweet crunch…baked into desserts, even added to muffins, pancakes and frittatas. Here are a few of my favorite dishes.

These recipes will give you all the feels peels 😉

• Sparkling Apple Cider
• Apple PB Samoas
• Apple Fritters
• Apple Crumble
• Apple, Sausage and Caramelized Onion Frittata 

And I couldn’t resist ending with a fun apple joke: How do apples stay so fit?

Wait for it…

 

They do core workouts!

 

Check out these recipe ideas for delicious ways to enjoy nuts and seeds.