Vote for Your Favorite Apple

Fall is finally here which means pumpkins, colorful leaves and most importantly, apple season!  The month of October is National Apple Month, an entire 31 days designated to enhancing consumer awareness of the usage of apples and apple products.

Believe it or not, there is a lot of truth to the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.  Apples are a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals.  They contain potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B, C and K.  One medium sized apple provides you with about 95 calories and 4.4 grams of dietary fiber, but keep in mind that there are a variety of apples that come in different sizes, so the calories and vitamin content vary.  Apples have a great amount of phytonutrients.  Phytonutrients are not classified as vitamins or minerals, but they possess disease fighting properties.  Evidence has even shown that the antioxidants and phytochemicals in apples can help fight cancer.  Apples are also very high in fiber, containing the same amount as the bran portion of a whole grain.  The soluble fiber in apples helps lower LDL or bad cholesterol which reduces the chance of heart disease.

 
Apples are one of the most enjoyable fruits to eat because there are so many varieties to choose from that offer different tastes, colors and textures.  Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking and offer a crisp, tart flavor.  On the sweeter side are Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Honey Gold, Fuji and Gala which are all great for eating.  Honey Crisp apples are especially in season during the fall and offer that perfect crisp taste that are often used to make candy apples. McIntosh Apples have a more tender texture and are great for eating and for making sauces.

Celebrate all of the wonderful health benefits apples have to offer this fall season.

Take your family apple picking and bring home a variety of different kinds to try.  Use apples in recipes to make dishes such as apple pie, apple slaw or apple cobbler.  Lastly, treat your kids to a healthy snack by combing apple slices with peanut butter or a drizzle of honey.

Your Turn to Take Action:  Please share below which is your favorite apple: Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Honey Gold, Fuji, Red Delicious or Gala.  My vote is Red Delicious.  What’s yours?

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