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Over 2500 varieties of apples are grown in the U.S.
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The crispy days of autumn are the perfect time of year to find fresh crispy apples. This delicious fruit is full of antioxidants, flavenoids, and fiber. Studies suggest that eating apples may reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
On the other hand, apples are included on many dirty produce lists because of the high concentration of chemical residue in commercially produced apples. So buy organic ones when possible. Look for organic apples at local farmers markets, roadside stands, and at health food chains like Earth Fare and Whole Foods Markets. If you are lucky enough to live in an area that grows apples, you may be able to find an organic apple orchard that allows you to pick your own fruit.
If your only option is to buy apples from the supermarket,wash them thoroughly and peel before eating. Or try this white vinegar and water rinse that helps remove chemical residue from fresh Put 1/4 cup of plain white vinegar in a large metal or glass bowl. (Don't use a plastic container because the vinegar may leach harmful chemicals from the plastic into your bowl) Add apples. Fill the bowl with water until the apples are covered. Put a heavy plate on top of the apples to keep them submerged. Or turn the apples every few minutes to make sure the whole surface is coated. Soak in the vinegar and water mixture for 15 minutes. Rinse the apples and pat dry with a paper towel.The vinegar soak is great for grapes, lemons, berries and any other fruits and vegetables that have been exposed to pesticides and other chemicals. |
Need some inspiration? Check out these recipe ideas.
Apple Spinach Chicken
Baked Apples
Beet and Apple Salad
Chicken with Apples and Cranberries
Pork Chops with Apples and Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Pumpkin Apple Soup
Updated Waldorf Salad
Apple Desserts
Apple pies, crisps, cakes, and tarts are delicious for dessert. While desserts are not the most nutritious way to use apples, they are wonderful for an occasional special treat and there are ways to increase the nutritional value of apple desserts.
Add healthy ingredients. Include healthy ingredients that blend well with the flavor of apples. Try adding chopped walnuts, chopped almonds, raisins, or medjool dates. Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or ground flaxseed/chia seed mixture to the dry ingredients. Replace part of the butter called for in the recipe with organic coconut oil. Replace part of the flour called for with rolled oats.Use unbleached flour and whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour.
Sugar. Consuming too much refined sugar is linked to a variety of health problems. Instead of white refined sugar, use raw organic sugar, raw organic honey, real maple syrup, or molasses for sweetener. Reduce the amount of sweetener called for in the recipe. I have reduced the amount by up to half with delicious results.
Shortening and oil. If your apple dessert recipe calls for oil, always use pure olive oil. Olive oil is much healthier than corn oil, canola oil, or other vegetable oils. If the recipe calls for shortening, try using organic coconut oil instead. Coconut oil looks like solid shortening and works much like shortening in recipes. Try this coconut oil pie crust.
Coconut Oil Pie Crust
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