The snappy taste of a fresh apple is like biting into the crispness of fall weather. It's apple season, and Harvest Home markets are bursting with crisp, juicy, tart and sweet varieties; all freshly picked by local farmers for the best taste. Ask our farmers about their apples! Check out their locally grown varieties here.
Science shows that old saying is true! Inside an apple's juicy deliciousness is lots of antioxidants and vitamin C to help reduce "bad" cholesterol for better heart health. High in fiber and low in calories, apples can even help you control your weight! Eating an apple 15 minutes before a meal reduces the amount people eat and makes them feel more satisfied after a meal.
A tasty treat that makes you healthier!
Snack on them!
Chop them up in tiny pieces and add to salads.
Roast them with other veggies for a savory twist.
Add them to chicken or pork (see below)
Don't forget desserts like apple pie and apple crisp!
No matter how you cook them, they fill the house with the cozy smells of fall.
Make your own applesauce. (And you'll say goodbye to store-bought applesauce forever!)
Peel and core 4 to 6 apples
Slice them into a pan; add about ½ inch of water
Cook for 10-15 minutes or until apples can be easily mashed with a fork.
NOTE: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if necessary.
Add a dash of cinnamon and a bit of sugar, if needed. Some apples are naturally sweeter than others so how much sugar depends on how tart your apples are.
With so many tasty kinds of apples and so many ways to eat them, that "apple a day" is not just easy, it's fun to figure out new ways to get it.
RECIPE: Chicken with Apples
Very kid friendly
INGREDIENTS:
4 boneless, skinless chicken-breasts halved or a pound of chicken tenders or a pound of chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 firm apple, cored, halved, and cut into ½-inch slices
1 cup apple juice
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
PREPARATION:
Cut chicken into one-inch pieces.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden, about 3 minutes on each side.
Add the apple slices, apple juice, onion, garlic, thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Simmer, covered, 6 to 8 minutes or until chicken is fork-tender.
Remove the chicken, apple slices, and onion to a serving platter and keep warm.
Bring the sauce to a boil for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Whisk in the mustard. Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve.
TIPS & TREATS:
Different apples have very different flavors. Try several kinds to find the taste you like best.
Honey Crisp: slightly sweet, very crisp. Good for cooking or eating.
Gala: Mild, sweet, crisp. Keeps well
Cortland: sweet/tart, moderately juicy, all purpose apple good for cooking or eating raw.
McIntosh: sweet, juicy, slight tang, lots of flavor. Good plain or in salads, pies or applesauce.
Macoun: super crisp, don't store well. Good for salads and applesauce or baking.
Snacking on Apples
Spread peanut butter on sliced apples.
Add some cheese: spread with soft cheese or just a chunk of cheddar.
Slice apples and sprinkle very lightly with cinnamon and sugar.
Squeeze some lemon juice on apple slices to keep them from browning.
Applesauce Uses and Tips
Baking tip: Replace ½ the fat (oil or butter) with an equal amount of applesauce. It's an easy way to cut calories and keep the taste.
Make applesauce and freeze it in zip-lock bags, plastic containers or even ice cube trays. YUMM! Heat it up on those dreary winter days for some delicious comfort.
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