Fall is Apple Season

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather begins to cool down, football starts again and it’s apple-picking season! During this time of year, you can find so many types of apples -- at a super market, a farmers market, or by making a trip to the local orchard. One large apple only has 130 calories, and is packed with fiber when eaten with the skin. Fruits like apples can protect health by helping to reduce risks of chronic diseases and they are low in calories, which can help prevent obesity.

Apples can be so versatile. Try them as:

• Snacks
• An accompaniment to pork and poultry roasts
• Dessert -- who doesn't love homemade apple crisp or apple pie?

When choosing any apple, make sure it smells fresh and that the skin is firm, shiny, and smooth with intact stems. Each apple has its own characteristics, useful for different preparations.

Apple that are good for baking/cooking can be tart or sweet, but should be crips with firm flesh. Try these varieties for your next pie or stuffing:

• Granny smith
• Fuji
• Cortland
• Rome Beauty

Here are some popular apple varieties that you may want to pick up next time you’re at the market:

• Red Delicious- bright red, crunchy with mildly sweet flavor. These are great in salads.
• Golden Delicious- yellow, mellow and sweet flavor. An all-purpose apple, the flesh stays white longer than most other apples.
• Gala-pinkish/orange, crisp, sweet, and snappy. Perfect for adding crunch to any dish or snack.
• Honey crisp- bright red and pale green skin, crisp yet juicy flesh, sweet and slightly tart. Great multi-purpose apple.
• Granny Smith- green, extremely tart and are juicy and versatile. Excellent for baking, snacking and salads.
• Cripps Pink – aka Pink Lady, firm and crisp with a unique tangy-tart, sweet flavor. This apple is popular with bakers and snackers.

Enjoy apple picking season and one of the best flavors of fall!