While an apple a day may not keep the doctor away forever, there’s no question that the crunchy goodness of this tasty fruit contributes to good health. In fact, apples are good for you in large part because they don’t have harmful substances. They don’t have cholesterol, they don’t have salt, and they don’t have refined sugar. On top of that, they’re a great source of fiber, and contain vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Taken together, these qualities mean that apples can contribute to reducing the risk for cancers, heart disease, and hypertension. It’s important to note, though, that apple peel is rich in fiber and antioxidants, so try not to remove the skin before eating!
There are literally hundreds of varieties of apples that are grown throughout the United States. With the resurgence in growing heirloom apples and the progress that’s been made in techniques for storing and shipping apples, you’re likely to find many types in your local market. Each type of apple has its own unique qualities, though, so it’s fun to try different varieties. Here are some of the tastiest:
- Winesap: The rich red Winesap is the quintessential beautiful apple. With an extra firm texture and the tartness of some green varieties, they hold up well in fruit displays and are excellent to make into apple juice.
- Granny Smith: In contrast to the sweetness of red apples, the gorgeous green Granny Smith exudes tartness. Still, the apples’ juiciness and crunchiness make them perfect for baking, pie making, and freezing.
- Fuji: Like Gala apples, Fuji apples are gaining in popularity. Compared to Red Delicious, Fujis are sweeter and crisper. They’re reddish-pink in color and make terrific applesauce. They’re also a great addition to salads.
- Red Delicious: This is the classic red apple that we pack in kids’ lunchboxes and enjoy as a crunchy snack. It has a mild sweetness, is available year-round, and is the perfect addition to a green salad.
- Braeburn: The color of Braeburn apples ranges from an orangey color to speckled red to red and yellow. Braeburns are noted for their firmness and intense sweet-tart flavor. They’re less versatile than other varieties, but are wonderful for snacking.
When it comes to selecting pomes, it’s important to examine them. Choose those that are free from soft spots, that don’t have breaks in the peel, and that smell nice. Once you get them home, refrigerate them to keep them fresh. Don’t store them next to garlic or other pungent foods, as apples will pick up odors. Before eating, wash apples under cool water to get rid of any pesticide residue.
Next time you’re tempted to grab a handful of sweets or munch on some chips, reach into the fridge and snag an apple instead. Your body will thank you!
