Apples are among the world’s most popular fruit and for good reason. Not only are they delicious, but there are over 7,500 varieties worldwide, with a third of these types grown in the U.S. Such a wide variety lends to a range of flavors, textures, and uses. Overall, the most popular kind of apple is Red Delicious followed by Gala close behind.
Apples contain a whole host of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and other antioxidants. They are packed with fiber, which helps regulate bowels and promote healthy gut bacteria. One medium apple yields around 1.5 cups of fruit, nearly the 2-cup daily recommendation for fruit. For the greatest benefit, eat the whole fruit, both skin and flesh.
The earliest record of cultivated apples in New England was made nearly 400 years ago and this region has had a strong apple-growing tradition ever since. At Newton Community Farm, we partner with Autumn Hills Orchard in Groton, MA to offer local apples to our community through fruit shares and our Healthy Harvest Bags. Autumn Hills Orchard has been growing apples for the past 24 years and they currently grow more than 25 varieties, plus other fruit.
Serving ideas:
Sliced with cheese or peanut butter
Applesauce
Crunchy apple chips
Apple turnover
Apple crisp
Apple butter
Candy apples
Apple pancakes
Baked apples
Waldorf salad
Recipe: Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Ingredients:
6 apples – peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tablespoons white sugar
1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup cold butter
Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Toss apples with white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl to coat; pour into a 9-inch square baking dish.
3. Mix brown sugar, oats, flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a separate bowl. Use a pastry cutter or 2 forks to mash cold butter into the oat mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs; spread over the apples to the edges of the baking dish. Pat the topping gently until even.
4. Bake until golden brown and sides are bubbling, about 40 minutes.
