An Apple a Day...

"Surely the apple is the noblest of fruits." -- Henry David Thoreau, Wild Apples

"An apple a day will keep the doctor away."  Is there truth to that old adage? Apples are in abundant supply...it is time to get busy and not let them all go to waste.  There are many benefits and uses for the common fruit.  There is also a lot of interesting information. 

There are thousands of varieties of apples, over 7500 to be exact.  The apple tree originated in Western Asia.  China is the world's top producer of apples, followed by the United States.  Over 60 million tons of apples are produced annually.  The most common types of apples are fuji, gala, red delicious, golden delicious, granny smith and braeburn.

Some suggest an apple should be eaten every day.  Medical research has shown apples can benefit your health in many areas including bone protection, asthma, Alzheimer's  cholesterol, cancer, diabetes and weight loss. 

There are many creative ways to use apples.  Salads, baked desserts, stuffing, sauces and plain apples are examples of how to get an apple a day into your diet.

Here are some tips when buying apples....

Good color indicates full flavor.  Don't be turned off by russeting a tough reddish brown skin on part of the apple: this will not affect eating quality or flavor.. Apples should be firm and free of bruises.

Early apples are best for fresh eating, salads, fruit cups and desserts.   Refrigerate them and use them within 3 to 4 weeks - they do not store well. Apples bought in bulk should be stored in the hydrator or in a covered container in the refrigerator to maintain proper humidity. Nutrition: Some apple facts: Americans eat approximately 19.6 pounds of fresh apples annually. Apples are a member of the rose family. Apples are available year-round. The most popular variety in the United States is the Red Delicious.

And...did you know that fresh apples float because 25 percent of their volume is air.

So as I look out my window and see my apple trees loaded with apples, I am reminded it is time to get busy making some apple sauce. The deer appreciate what I let fall to the ground, but I must make an effort to harvest s many as I can.

                 When the apple is ripe it will fall.~ Irish Proverb

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