Since I have been on the "get 'em while they're hot!" kick lately, I thought it appropriate to share with you my love of fruit. Hey, they say I am a bit fruity, so if you can't beat them, join them!
Apples really have stolen my heart, but before I go there, I feel obliged to mention that there are many great fruits at their peak through November. Bananas, Clementines, cranberries, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, oranges, pears, kumquat, persimmons, pomegranates, and tangerines.
Apples, ah yes...
The Apple of My Eye or An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away
Apples, from my research, are the most varied food on the planet, according to the US Apple Association. There are over 7,500 known varieties worldwide, with at least 2,500 varieties grown in the US. As for Minnesota, the Haralson apple is the number one grown, with production at 50%. The Fireside apple introduced in 1943 is known as "The Minnesota Delicious". In 1991 the Honeycrisp apple, a cross between Macoun and Honeygold varieties developed by University of Minnesota research, stole my heart. The Honeycrisp fast became a worldwide favorite with production rarely meeting demand, making this apple sometimes hard to come by and a bit spendy. The Honeycrisp is well worth searching out, by my estimates. Other well know Minnesota varieties are the Courtland, McIntosh, Keepsake, Sweet Sixteen, and Regent, just to name a few.
Apples are bursting with fiber (4-5 grams per medium apple), vitamin C, and flavonoids such as quercetin. The apple skin is jammed with cancer fighting polyphenols which stop free radicals in their tracks. How this happens is really quite intriguing. When polyphenols are introduced into a system of damaged cells (diseased) the polyphenol sends a message to the damaged cell to "self destruct" with no negative side effects to the host. Way cool! Who wouldn't want to partner with an apple for the protection against free radicals.
Well then, get me my apple!
Apples make a great snack. I heard once, somewhere in my meanderings, that if you think you are hungry and it's not quite snack time, drink some water. Often times we are dehydrated and our tummy turns on the growls, but if you feel that you can eat a whole apple, then snack away. Don't forget to add a little protein as a side dish to your apple and enjoy.
When shopping for your apples look for firm apples with minimal broken skin marks and no bruising. Store in your refrigerator crisper for up to one month.
Be Well, I am heading to my frig crisper for a Honeycrisp, honey.
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