Celebrating Autumn’s Succulent, Sweet Fruit – The Apple

Sustainable Healthy Living, by Sheila Mullen – Oct. 7, 2012

There is no season in all the year so beautiful, so radiant with glory, as the early autumn. There is no time when the human soul drinks in so fully the glory and beauty of nature.  ~ Northern Advocate

Fall comes with annual rites of passages: the start of school and football season; leaves begin to turn radiant jewel tones of ruby red, golden yellow and burnt orange; and autumn’s succulent and sweet fruit, the apple, coming into season. I want to ensure the long awaited apple gets some red carpet celebrating.

Crisp apples are perhaps the most common tree fruit in the world.  There are roughly 7,000 varieties. North Carolina can brag about growing at least 14 varieties, including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji and the newest variety, the little Pink Lady. The sweet, thin-skinned apples are best for eating raw alone or can be complemented aged cheese. Tart apples are ideal for adding to salads or making homemade applesauce. 

Buying Apples

Look for firm fruit with smooth skin free of bruises and blemishes. For best flavor and texture, look for newly harvested, locally grown apples rather than fruit sold from old storage.  Apples continue to ripen at room temperature. Store them in a heavy paper bag away from onions and potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 2 months … assuming they last that long.

Health Benefits

We have all heard the adage, “An apple a day will keep the doctor away,” but here are just a few of apples' nutritional strengths. The mighty apple with only 95 calories is a fiber powerhouse and a good source of immune-boosting vitamin C. Research has discovered that, by eating an apple before working out, you may increase your endurance and speed your weight loss. The Iowa Women's Health Study reported that, among the 34,000-plus women it's been tracking for nearly 20 years, apples were associated with a lower risk of death from both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Don’t these simple healthy benefits make you want to jump in your car, drive to your local farm and pick up a big bag of North Carolina apples?

Local Farms

We are fortunate to have two farms right here in Gaston County growing apples ripe for our picking. I have also included links to finding additional North Carolina farmers who also grow apples in the resource section below. Some of these farms allow you to ramble through a orchard, picking crisp, juicy apples and crunching into one, fresh off the tree. You can’t get more local, can you?

• Double B. Farms
 7311 Flay Road
, Cherryville, Gaston County, NC 
(704) 435-1073
• Apple Orchard Farm
640 Mariposa Road
, Stanley, Gaston County, NC 
(704) 263-2635

Cranberry Applesauce

Finally, it is time to savor the flavor of these rich and abundant beauties. I can never wait to make a big batch of homemade applesauce early in the season. This simple recipe makes a sweet accompaniment to a savory winter meal with a tangy twist.

6 apples of choice, peeled and cored

1 cup water or apple cider

½ cup unsweetened cranberry juice

2 tbs. maple syrup

Place apples in pot with water or cider and cranberry juice. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until apples are soft. Remove from heat, add syrup and puree with handheld blender/food processor or Vitamix blender. Server warm or chilled. Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer. 

You might double the batch.  Freeze the extra applesauce in one-cup baggies to use throughout the season. I am a big believer in "cook once; use many times over in different forms." They can be a fast after-school snack, or team sauce with tender pork tenderloin. My favorite option is using the applesauce to substitute for the oil in your fall baked goods.  You will experience moisture while eliminating the unnecessary fat.

Resources

• Apple Varieties Commonly Grown in North Carolina – Website
• Health Benefits of Apples – Website
• North Carolina Apple Picking Orchards and Apple Farms Guide – Website
• Orange Pippin: A comprehensive resource for apples and orchards – Website

Sources

• Recipe from Clean Food by Terry Walters – Website
• Williams-Sonoma Cooking from the Farmer’s Market – Website

Be well

About Sheila Mullen – The founder of Continuous Motion Consulting, Sheila is passionate about engaging friends, family and community in improving their lives and the lives of those around them. Sheila spent more than 20 years in technology sales, marketing and development. She also has a background in organizational development, innovation and executive wellness coaching.