Apple Basics

Apple Basics

• Apples provide vitamin C, Potassium and fiber.
• Eat the peel for more fiber.

Shop and Save

• Look for apples that are firm and do not have broken skin, bruises or soft spots.
• Apples are harvested between August and November, but are available year round. During harvest time, apples may cost less and be more crisp.
• Farmers markets and farm stands may have local varieties that you can taste before buying.

Store Well Waste Less

• Whole apples can be stored at room temperature for a few days. They can be stored in the refrigerator in a crisper drawer or open bag for up to 6 weeks.
• Apples that are starting to shrivel can be used in cooking.
• Apples tend to brown after they are peeled or cut. Browning is not harmful. To keep cut apples looking fresh for a few hours, dip the cut pieces in lemon or orange juice and refrigerate in a covered container.
• Refrigerating cut apples in a container of water also keeps them white, crisp, and ready to eat.

Some Popular Varieties of Apples

Braeburn

Sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture; good fresh or cooked

Pink Lady (Cripps Pink)

Sweet-tart flavor and firm, crisp texture; excellent fresh or cooked, very good for freezing

Granny Smith

Crunchy and tart; good fresh, cooked or frozen

Gala

Crisp and very sweet; good fresh or cooked but not recommended for freezing

Honeycrisp

Crisp, sweet and juicy; excellent fresh or cooked and can be frozen

Fuji

Crunchy and super sweet; good fresh, cooked or frozen

Golden Delicious

Crisp, sweet and mellow with a tender skin; stays white longer after cutting; excellent for all purposes

Red Delicious

Crunchy texture and mildly sweet flavor; deep red skin adds color; best used fresh

Cooking with Apples

Recipes

Microwave Applesauce

Baked Apple Chips

Quick Fix

• Mix chopped apples into hot cereal like oatmeal.
• Mix peanut butter and yogurt together for a delicious dip for apple slices.
• Add thinly sliced apples to your sandwich for a little crunch.

Tips for Freezing Apples

1. Slice apples.
2. To prevent browning, dip the slices in lemon or orange juice.
3. Freeze the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 to 2 hours.
4. Place the frozen slices into a freezer container, sealing it tightly.

To Use: Pour out the amount of frozen apples needed, then reseal the container and return it to the freezer. Use frozen apple slices within 8 months for best quality.

Kids Can!

When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to: 

• rub apples under cool running water.
• choose apples at the store.