An Apple a Day

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Apple in the morning – doctor’s warning

Roast apple at night – starves the doctor outright

Eat an apple going to bed – knock the doctor on the head

Three each day, seven days a week – ruddy apple, ruddy cheek”

This poem by an unknown writer highlights the health benefits of eating apples.  Apple season is here and now’s the time to enjoy juicy, delicious, nutritious, and very portable apples. Grabbing an apple on the go redefines the term “fast food.”

Apples are low in calories and high in fiber, especially soluble fiber, which has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels.  As the poem reveals, apples can be eaten raw or cooked.  Apple juice and apple cider are widely popular and mulled cider is a fall treat! 

Apples belong to the rose family and while there are 2,500 varieties grown in the U.S., 8 varieties account for about 80% of the apples produced in the U.S.  Apples can be grown almost anywhere in the U.S. but most are grown in the northern states. Buy local varieties, if possible, for maximum flavor.  They are plentiful at the Farmers Markets now. 

What are your favorite varieties and what’s your favorite way to eat apples?