It’s fall, which means if there’s an orchard near you, there’s a good chance you might be picking your own apples. And you should! Not only are you supporting local agriculture, but you’re also getting the freshest fruit while working out your body a bit as you traverse the land carrying a bushel or two. Plus you get to eat all of those juicy goodies! Yum!
The only real drawback to apple season is that it can lead to increased baking, which can lead to shoveling in the sweets in larger quantities than your body may like (even if your brain tells you otherwise). Yes, there are healthy ways to bake–and we encourage you to do so–but there’s more to autumn’s apple season than pies, crisps, and crumbles. Try the following to eat your apples in good health.
Sliced: Add a little crunch to the sandwich you munch by adding a layer of thinly sliced apples. They’re juicy and flavorful enough that you can skip a spread such as mayo or mustard. On days when it’s feeling a little crisp out, pair thinly sliced cheddar and apple pieces with turkey and whole grain bread and grill it on the stove to make a melted taste sensation.
Wedged: Apple wedges make an awesome snack anytime of a day, and cutting them in slices ups their dip-ability. Dunk a chunk into natural almond butter or go for a salty and sweet pairing with cheese spread instead.
Diced: Why eat a salad that’s nothing but vegetables when you can sweeten things up with the flavors of the season? Add apple bites to tossed spinach, diced chicken, dried cranberries, walnuts, and bleu cheese for a new favorite fall feast. Pop on some poppy-seed dressing for a little more flavor.
Heated: If you just can’t escape the season without some sort of baked apple treat, then skip all the pastries and pies, and go for the real deal–an actual baked apple. Make these in the oven for a piping hot treat. Core the center of an apple and stuff it with raisins, dried cranberries, and pecans. Sprinkle a small mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt over the top. Place the apple in a baking dish with about an inch or so of water in the bottom. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!
Apples don’t have to drenched in butter and sugar to be sweet to eat. They’re so full of flavor that you just need to take a bite to enjoy them!
What is your favorite type apple and how do you enjoy it best? Share with us in the comments!
Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
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