Apple, Apple, Let’s Talk Apples

Apple Apple Let’s Talk Apples are prehaps America’s favorite fruit and with good reason. After all, “an apple a day, keeps the Doctor away.” Apples are grown in temperature zones throughout the world. Cultivated for over 3,000 years, apple varieties now number well into the thousands. Apples range in color from lemony yellow to bright-yellow green to red. Their textures range from tender to crisp. Flavors range from sweet to tart, and from simple to complex. Apples are available year-round but are at their best in Autumn when they are newly harvested.

apple apple lets
apple apple lets

When Buying Apples

Buy firm well-colored apples with a fresh fragrance.
The skins should be smooth and free of bruises and gouges, though rough brown spots are acceptable.
Store apples in a cool dark place or in a plastic bag stored in the refrigerator. Choose apples by how you intend to use them. Eating raw or cooking/baking. Finding the right apple for the job is important, using the wrong apple can make a pie “mushy”and applesauce “crunchy”

apple apple lets

Many Varieties

Different varieties of apples have certain characteristics. Some are best for eating out of hand,
while others are considered best for pies and baking, while some are selected for their ability to cook down into a smooth puree’ for applesauce.
For eating apples raw, choose an apple that is crisp, firm and juicy. For pies and sauces, you’ll want an apple that is sweet, crisp and juicy, yet cooks up tender. For cider, a blend of apples are usually chosen, to give the finished product a full, well balanced flavor.

Keep in Mind

The flesh of many apples will begin to turn brown,
once they are cut open and are exposed to the air.
Dousing them with water and a little lemon juice will help prevent the apples from browning but may not be a good idea, when a true, pure apple taste is important.

apples apples

Try Something New

Over the past decade, apple varieties have increased and changed considerably. Twenty years ago most orchards grew many of the same varieties of apples.
Your choices were limited and you basically knew what apple to use for pie, sauces and for eating.
Over the years, I have enjoyed trying new apple varieties and most orchards will let you “sample” any apple before you buy them.

apples apples
Local Apple Orchard
Apple growers are very knowledgeable about the
apples they grow and are more than willing to answer questions pertaining to apples. They can also suggest what type of apple to use in any recipe calling for apples. I recently stopped at my favorite apple orchard: Everflow Farm and Orchard
and here’s what I found out. Everflow grows many varieties: Zestar, Macintosh, Honey Crisp, State Fair, Wolf River and Shizuka apples to name a few. To find a list of apple varieties from A-Z and to find apple orchards in your state check out; Orange Pippin, the comprehensive resource for apples and orchards.
All About Apples
All-purpose apples are good for eating out of hand as well as for cooking. Good All-purpose Apples are: Baldwin, Braeburn, Cortland, Criterion, Fuji, Gala
Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Jonathan Lady Apple, Macoun, McIntosh, Newton Pippin, Northern Spy, Pink Lady, Winesap.
For whole baked apples, the apple of choice is: Rome Beauty. Mix several varieties together for a delicious change in pies, crisps and applesauce.

Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. They’re also rich in antioxidants and may prevent some cancers and heart disease.

Easy Apple Crisp, Spice Cocoa Meringue Cookies