Apples (Malus pumila) are thought to be one of the oldest fruits to be cultivated, and it’s believed they originally grew in southern Europe and southwestern Asia.  They’re part of the Rosaceae family – which also includes roses, strawberries, raspberries, apricots, plums, and pears! Currently, there are over 7,000 varieties of apples. Early apple varieties start to ripen around August with different varieties ripening through until May.

Nutritionally, apples contain a high amount of Vitamin C, potassium, pectic and natural fibers.  Raw apples are an excellent source of phytonutrients such as ellagic acid and quercitin.  These are considered flavanoids which offer protective health benefits!  Apple’s rich pectin and other fibers help the digestive system and can actually work to lower cholesterol.

Many of us have fond autumn memories of apple-picking or making apple tarts, pies, cakes and muffins!  I believe apples were the first fruit that connected me to the seasons.  I remember vividly seeing the blooming apple trees in our front yard, which meant a change in seasons and my fathers infamous Dutch Apple pie would soon greet our table. Now these seasonal transitions inspire all of my cooking.  But I always reflect back upon my childhood during apple season, to remind me about importance and feeling of being in tune with nature’s rhythms.

When selecting apples, look for firm, crisp, and well-colored skins.  For maximum nutrient value, try to keep the skin on apples when preparing them.  They should be eaten fresh  – as Vitamin C is lost rapidly once the apple has been picked.

Enjoy seeking a variety of interesting apples.  The best apples for cooking have a sharp “sub-acid” flavor – such as Bramley or Arthur Turner apples in the UK and McIntosh or Granny Smith in the US.  For more depth when baking with apples, mix two or three different varieties.

There are so many flavor affinities for apples too, which means you can experiment with the seasons.  Here’s an outline of my favorite apple pairings:

• apples, allspice, cinnamon, clover, and ginger
• apples, blue cheese and endive
• apples, cinnamon and hazelnuts
• apples, cranberries, cloves, and oranges
• apples with chicory, walnuts and blue cheese
• apples with carrots, raisins and orange
• apples with kale, raisins, and cinnamon
• apples, almonds, cinnamon, and rosemary

With such a wide variety of how you can use apples – they’re a perfect fruit to keep stocked in the fruit bowl for ready use in salads, dressings, desserts, muffins and purees!

Hope you enjoy apple eating throughout their long season!