Why Apples Are Good For You?

The apple comes in many varieties and colors, it is one of the most popular fruits today. How did this fruit become the star of the fruit world?

The History of Apples

There are many legends which surround the apple. Greek and Roman mythology honored this fruit, particularly golden apples which symbolized love and beauty in the culture.

In the Western world the apple became associated with the fall of humans in the garden of Eden, although the fruit is not actually mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. Other cultures use different fruits to represent the fall of humans from grace.

Apples have inspired many creative talents throughout the centuries. The German Romantic poet, Friedrich Von Schiller, the author of Ode to Joy, found the smell of rotten apples a requirement for his creative process. The Canadian poet, Helen Humphreys says:

“I was first inspired to write The Ghost Orchard by the discovery of a delicious tasting apple growing wild on an abandoned property close to home. In trying to pinpoint the exact variety of apple, I became fascinated by the sheer number of varieties that once existed, and by the history of some of those apples.”

Helen Humphrey

The apple originated in central and southwestern Asia. There is historical evidence linking the cultivation of the apple to the beginning of agriculture in Europe.

Early annuals of Egypt, China and Babylon mention the apple. The fruit is mentioned in the Code of Manu, and the writings of the Greek, Theophrastus who is considered the father of modern botany.

Archeological records also show that the stone age dwellers of Central Europe not only ate them but also preserved them.

The apple has been called the “Queen of Fruits” and the earliest version was more like our wild crab apple, it has been gradually modified to produce a multitude of colors, types and sizes.

Health Benefits of Apples

Apples have always been encouraged as a source nutrients which provide many health benefits which include and not limited to the following:

• Source of Vitamin C
• Can help to regulate blood sugar
• Helps in appetite management
• Fiber
• Antioxidants
• Promotes heart health

When they are picked they contain starch together with sugars: fructose and glucose, also organic acid, and malic acid which is used in topical skin care.

The starch in an apple disappears as it ripens, while the malic acid is used up continuously.

Scientific studies from Australia have found that apples help stimulate the production of new brain cells, and consumption has been associated with reduced risk of some cancers.

How old are the apples sold in the grocery stores?

We all understand that the pretty, waxed shiny fruit we see neatly stacked in the stores have not been picked within the last few weeks. It is more likely that the the apples in the store were picked the previous year. Yes, that’s right! A whole year or more since those apples were on the tree.

Store bought apples are usually treated with chemicals and kept in cold storage. This is important to note as the older the fruit the lower the nutritional content. The antioxidants will not have the same shelf life as the apple. So if you really want to keep the Dr. away support your local orchards and Farmers Markets in season for apples with the original nutritional value.

Note: Apples contain ethylene which speeds up the ripening of any produce stored beside them.

The many uses of apples

Apples are one of the most versatile fruits to use in the kitchen. You can bake, juice, dehydrate them or add them to so many other things. Here is a list of some of my favorite ways to prepare apples to inspire you to create your own.

I was lucky enough to inherit a mature apple tree when I moved to my current location. I have been told that the apples are a heritage variety probably crossed with a McIntosh. It is very tart and I decided to try juicing the apples first.

I picked some during the season and decided to experiment with apple juice. I mixed apple juice with carrot juice which was great and reduced the tartness, and because I do not use white sugar I blended one batch with banana and one with pineapple.

Pomace

A good reason to to juice your apples is that not only do you get juice but the leftover pulp from juicing which is called pomace if full of vitamins and fiber and can be used as an ingredient in so many recipes. You do have to use it quickly or make it into ice cubes to give it a longer shelf life.

Use pomace in apple pulp bread. All you do is use apple pulp as a base instead of flour.

Pomace can also be used to make apple sauce, and baking cakes, muffins, fritters and making granola bars.

If you don’t have the time or energy to do all those amazing thing with the pomace you can still be environmentally friendly by composting it.

Apples as pet treats

Having recently introduced a sweet golden doodle to the family I was thrilled to know that apples are good for pets and the pomace can be made into nutritious and inexpensive pet treats.

Here is a great recipe from Dog Mom Chef for Apple Cranberry dog treats.

Trying the Cripps Pink

Cripps Pink, also sold under trade mark name Pink Lady is one of the top rated apples in the world and I decided to try it. I do believe that we should support our local orchards and have family fun visits picking apples in the season. However, this apple is all the rage and as your resident plant explorer, its a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Presentation is pretty and perfect. Good size in the hand. I did have an American grown apple, so am not sure if the size is the same in Europe. A rosy pink color, overlay on a grass green tinge.

This variety is known for it long storage life. It was crisp and sweet.

Are apple trees easy to grow?

If you have the space for a dwarf apple tree that will be the way to go. Like I always say, it is nice to have an ornamental, but better to grow your own food.

Depending on your garden zone, fall to mid winter is the best time to plant. Good air circulation and sunlight are the main requirements. It is also possible to grow dwarf apple trees in containers.

What is your favorite apple and how do you use it? Let us know in the comments below.