I don’t even have to look at my calendar. The sudden drop in temperature, subtle yellowing of maple leaves and my nearly exhausted flower bed tell me that I’ll soon be trading warm weather for a parade of crunchy, sweet, tart and delicious autumn apples.
Historians tell us that we’ve been enjoying apples since at least 6500 B.C. There are thousands of varieties available worldwide, each with their own distinct flavor, cooking properties and nutritional merits. Unfortunately, only a few apple varieties typically make their way to the produce section of national supermarkets. That’s the beauty of growing your own, visiting orchards or buying your unique favorites from local farmers. Make this fall’s apple season the best for you and your family. Try these ideas for storing, serving and enjoying this year’s harvest: - Store apples in the refrigerator. Keep them in a plastic bag with small air holes to prevent further ripening and maintain a high moisture level to delay withering. Check them frequently and remove any that look brown or bruised. (One bad apple really will spoil the bunch.)
- Perk up breakfast. Stir chopped apples and cinnamon into a steamy bowl of oatmeal; drizzle with maple syrup and top with chopped pecans.
- Pack apples in backpacks, lunch boxes and briefcases for a sweet, healthy midday snack at work or school.
- Serve hungry kids fresh apples with peanut butter for healthful after-school nourishment.
- Encourage kids to dip. Serve apple wedges with a small bowl of vanilla or raspberry yogurt, then let the dipping – and eating – begin. Growing bodies win with fiber, calcium and protein.
- Serve apples with assorted cheeses and wine for an elegant appetizer at your next social gathering.
|