Autumn’s quintessential fruit, apples start appearing in all their glory this month. Besides being delicious, apples’ nutrients, including quercetin, exhibit significant cancer-fighting potential. Conventionally grown types harbor a lot of pesticide reside, though, so always buy organic. One of the most economical produce options now and throughout winter, versatile apples keep for weeks in the fridge. Bite into locally sourced heirloom varieties, such as Arkansas Black or Virginia Winesap, but for all-around good quality—as judged by crispness and flavor—grab a bag or bushel of these favorites at your natural market.
Eating >>Braeburn, Cortland, Crispin (Mutsu), Elstar, Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Suncrisp
Baking (pies, tarts) >>Braeburn, Calville Blanc, Fuji, Empire, Granny Smith, Rome Beauty, Suncrisp
Roasting >>Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Newtown Pippin
Applesauce >> Cortland, McIntosh, Jonathan, Lodi
Spiced apple juice.Combine 1 quart apple juice, the peel of ½ fresh organic orange (use a vegetable peeler to remove only the orange skin, not the pith), and ground cinnamon and cloves to taste. Heat to a simmer. Try:Eden Foods Organic Apple Juice.
Apple cider vinegar.An aid to Easter eggs and cleanly rinsed hair, cider vinegar is also considered a powerful health tonic. Additionally, it’s delicious in hearty foods, like stews and chutneys. Try:Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Applesauce.Purists can stew apples alone to make a delectable sauce; but for a new direction, add other fruits (think blackberries, cherries, or raspberries), fresh ginger, lemon verbena, or citrus peel. Try:Santa Cruz Organic fruit sauces, including Apple Apricot and Apple Cinnamon.
