Apples, Apples and Apples…Oh My!

This weekend I went apple picking—my first time ever!

Apple Picking

As a San Francisco Bay Area native who moved to good ol’ BeanTown about 6 years ago, I had never before plucked this ancient fruit off its glorious apple weighted branch. And, let me tell you…when I previously admitted this fact I got jaw drops, bug eyes, and wide open mouths informing me that I simply  must go.  Thus, now I can proudly say that “yes, I have been apple picking.”

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of the healthifying properties of our friend Ms. Apple, I must share with you my most delectable fun findings on apples!

Apples I picked!

First, more than 7,500 apple varieties are grown worldwide! In the U.S., 2,500 known varieties are known to pop up every year. Currently, 15 apples dominate the U.S. marketplace. This “top” apple list includes: Red Delicious, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, McIntosh, Rome, Empire, York, Johnathan, Idared, Cortland, Stayman, Newton, and Northern Spy.  Approximately 90% of apple production in the U.S. is made up by this list. But, the “top 15″ best watch out because Braeburn, Cameo, Ginger Gold, Pink Lady, and HoneyCrisp (so good!) are about to catch up.  Basically, as you see, there are many apples to choose from! Hence, I believe it is virtually impossible for you to not find an apple you like…just keep tasting and your apple will come.

Earlier I mentioned that apples were ancient…and oh yes, they are. By 8,000 B.C. apples spread from the forests of their origin, the Tien Shan mountains of central Asia, to the Middle East, Europe and eventually North America. It is thanks to the nomadic hunter/gatherer societies of ancient times that today you may enjoy that joyous pome fruit with a slather of crunchy all-natural peanut butter before you hit spin class or as a snack, say when 11 AM rolls around, you’re famished, and just need something before lunch so: A) you won’t raid your cabinets eating whatever you can get your hands on and maybe more; B) you don’t order the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich for lunch or that high-calorie item you just know you shouldn’t be eating; or C) you can continue to think clearly and not have your co-workers think your growling stomach is the coffee machine sputtering out its last brewed drops. Point: an apple serves as a perfect snack and can keep you feeling full longer when accompanied by peanut or almond butter or a slice of low-fat cheese. Sorry! Just had to throw some nutrition in there!

To properly accompany my above research, I must share with you the meanings of the 2 most popular apple sayings, according to the U.S. Apple Association. Ready???

• An apple a day keeps the doctor away: Derived from the old English saying, “Ate an apfel avore gwain to bed, make the doctor beg his bread,” the original author of this most popular apple saying has been lost to history. Today, the expression rings truer than ever, as our knowledge of apples’ many and myriad health benefits increases.
• Apple of my eye: This expression dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, when people conceived of the pupil of the eye to be, like the apple, a global object. The word itself comes from the Anglo-Saxon “aeppel”, which literally meant both “eye” and “apple.” In addition to providing the literal, vital sense of vision, the pupil was also regarded as the figurative “window” to the treasured secrets within each of us. Thus, the “apple of my eye” meant someone very beloved.

Now, Nutrition. I must say that I truly love the apple for its healthifying properties. One satiating medium apple is only 80 calories and has 5 grams of fiber (woo-hoo!) with a good mix of soluble and insoluble fiber. If you don’t know the difference between these 2, check out my post on fiber. Plus, apples are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free–as all you nutrition newsies know, since they’re a fruit! My most favorite thing about apples is their portability. I throw  1 or 2 in my Built lunch tote and out the door I go! But, NOTE–I never, never peel my apples for any reason (even for applesauce…yes, its true). Why??? Because two-thirds of an apple’s fiber and many of its antioxidants are in the peel. Folks–keep your apples dressed and with peel…we don’t want any improper apples running around.

Now–I will leave you with a recipe that you MUST try–“Baked” Apple with oats. I found this recipe online and adapted it a little, but thought I would share because it is simply delish AND will boost your fiber intake, keep you full, and leave you with that cozy, warm feeling inside (like the one after a slice of mom’s homemade apple pie). This is a perfect morning breakfast or treat, mid-day snack, or decadent dessert…what can I say, eat it whenever. This treat is only about 175 calories a pop and provides 7 grams of satiating fiber. Oh–and it takes minutes to make, literally. As someone who seeks easy, quick, healthful recipes and won’t cook a dish unless it meets this criteria, I guarantee this fact. ENJOY!!! And, experiment with the ingredients to meet your taste bud’s preferences.

“Baked” Apple with Oats

Ingredients:

• 1 medium apple of your choice
• 3 tablespoons of water
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
• 1 packet of Splenda (or 2 tablespoons of brown sugar)
• 1/2 tablespoon of Smart Balance Light Buttery Spread (or any tub margarine)
• 1/4 cup of raw Old Fashioned Oats
• 1/2 teaspoon of powdered sugar (optional)
  

  "Baked" Apple with Oats-YUM!

Directions:

1. Slice apple, place in microwave safe bowl
2. Add water to bowl
3. Mix cinnamon, Splenda, Smart Balance Light Buttery Spread, and oats in bowl, separate from apple and water bowl. Mix with fingers til crumbly.
4. Once the “cinnamon” mixture is crumbly, sprinkle on top of the sliced apple (while in its bowl with water).
5. Cover the bowel with a paper towel and microwave for 1 minute and 45 seconds. If your microwave is “strong” or you’d like a crisper “baked” apple with oats, microwave the dish for 1 minute and 15 seconds and continue microwaving to your taste.
6. Sprinkle with powdered sugar (optional)

Enjoy!!!

Corinne