Bite Into a Juicy Apple for National Apple Month

The air is getting colder, the leaves are changing colors, and the days are getting shorter, which can only mean one thing, it is officially apple picking season. There are over 2500 varieties of apples to choose from in the United States. Be sure to pick your favorite one this October for National Apple Month.

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world and for good reason! Not only are apples delicious, but they are also full of essential nutrients. Be sure to eat not only the flesh, but the skin as well to optimize your nutrient intake.

While the traditional way to eat an apple is raw, it can be enjoyed in almost every form. From baked to even sauced, apples are a versatile fruit that tastes good however you prepare them. Fill your home with the sweet smell of apples roasting, and fill your belly with a warm bite of apples fresh out of the oven.

All About Apples

Each variety of apple has a slightly different nutrient composition; however, all their health benefits are comparable. Here are 4 reasons to eat more apples:

Gut Health: All apples are rich in fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Your body needs both forms of fiber to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Apples also contain the starch pectin in their skin that acts as a prebiotic to promote a healthy gut.

Blood Sugar Maintenance: Glycemic index is a measure of how your blood glucose will rise after eating food. Due to their fiber content and polyphenols, apples are a fruit that has a lower glycemic index.

Immune Health: Apples are loaded with Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that your body uses to fight damage from free radicals as well as helps to repair tissues.

Healthy Heart: Potassium is essential to maintaining a healthy heart since it is used in muscle contraction, and the heart is a muscle. Potassium is the main mineral in apples!

Cooking Up Something “Delicious”

Every variety of apple has a different taste, which means that the flavor profile of your meal can change drastically depending on what apple you use! Before you start making your dish, be sure to look for what apple variety will work best. Here are some of the wonderful things that you can cook up with all the apples you picked this season:

Apple Pie Oatmeal: Finely chopped apple slices, a dash of cinnamon, and a drop of maple syrup added to cooked oatmeal taste just as good as apple pie, with added nutrients!

Apple Walnut: Use any lettuce base, add slices of apples, chopped walnuts, and whatever other topping you enjoy for a refreshing fall meal.

Applesauce: A great dish to make with the kids, all you need are apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Core the apples, boil them in water until they are soft, then blend with cinnamon until smooth.

Baked Apple Casserole: One of the easiest breakfasts you can make. Dip bread in a French toast mixture and layer it in a casserole dish with slices of apple in between. Bake until bread is crispy, and apples are soft.

No matter how you decide to eat them, be sure to celebrate National Apple Month this October.

Your Turn to Action: What is your favorite apple dish? Let me know in the comments below.