Apple picking has to be one of my most favorite fall family activities – it gets us all outside and together, we get to pick our own fruits, and enjoy a great day at the farm. Plus, even if we end up picking a lot of apples, they’re a fruit that tends to keep longer than most as long as they’re stored at cool temperatures.
Try to always enjoy apples with the skin on if you can, because not only is it chock-full of filling fiber, but the peel also contains quercetin. Quercetin is an antioxidant compound with potential anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Apples are also a good source of vitamin C, in case you’re looking to get your vitamin C from something other than the ever-popular orange juice! I also really like apples because they’re so versatile – you can eat them raw on their own, dip slices into almond butter, and even cook or bake with them.
Celebrating the Apple Season:
- Pick up some apple butter at the farmer’s market the next time you’re there – use it as a sweet topping for pancakes, muffins, or just on toast
- Sip on some warm apple cider on a cool fall day
- Try your hand at making your own applesauce, which is great for using up apples if you’ve picked too many!
No-Bake Apple “Pie” (serves 2-3)
2 large apples, diced- 2 tsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- homemade granola
- Heat up a saucepan to medium heat, add butter and diced apples. Add brown sugar and cinnamon, and stir occasionally to gently cook the apples.
- When apple pieces are softened add lemon juice and vanilla extract, and stir again just to mix it all evenly.
- Serve diced apples in a bowl, top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a few tablespoons of granola.
It tastes almost like apple pie, without the crust! Enjoy it as a sweet fall treat.
How do you like to enjoy apples in your kitchen?
Assistance provided by Megan Skinner
