Seasonal Feature: Apple

What

In addition to being one of the most well known fruits (think Adam and Eve), the apple is probably the most widely cultivated tree fruit. The tree originated in Central Asia around 300 BC and today there are more than 7,500 different types grown around the world. While we may think the United States (and specifically the Pacific Northwest) harvests the largest crop, it’s actually China that produces 35% of the 55 million tons per year.

Why Try
With so many different kinds to sample, why not try as many as you can? We recently bought one of each different kind of apple at New Seasons (12 in total) to sample and compare. The different texture and flavors astounded us.

1 medium apple, about 3 inches across, contains 95 calories, no fat, no cholesterol, 4 grams of fiber and high amounts of vitamin C. Medical research suggests that apples may reduce the risk of colon, prostate and lung cancers. If you plan to keep apples for longer than a week, store them in a cool dark place for up to three months stem side down on newspaper.

How to Use

In addition to eating them raw, here are other ways to enjoy these tasty orbs:

• Make applesauce. Use a variety of different apples, from golden delicious to braeburn, and cook them down with spices and a touch of brown sugar.
• Bake a freeform apple tart. Roll out your favorite pastry crust into a large circle and place thinly sliced apples (try pink lady or honeycrisp) in the center. Fold up the edges of the pastry around the apples and bake.
• Slice into salad. Try slices of fuji apples with mixed greens, walnuts, and blue cheese. Dress with an orange vinaigrette.
• Sauté with pork. Cut gala or jonathan apples into wedges and sauté in the same skillet used to cook the pork chops.