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Apples |
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"An apple a day keeps the doctor away".
How many times did you hear that, when you were a kid?
Yet there's more to the humble apple than we might think.
Find out why apples are so good for you, how to store them and how to enjoy them.
Go straight to apple recipes.
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About Apples |
Although thought to originate from South West Asia, apples are now found in most temperate climates, worldwide.
Apples are in season in the UK from late summer to late autumn.
Fresh, UK apples taste incredible, compared to last season's sea-freighted stock from the other side of the world. So they're an annual treat to look forward to.
They do store well, but lose their vitamin content and texture, becoming more powdery if kept in chillers.
Apples are a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
They're a good source of fibre, vitamin C, pectin (which helps the body rid itself of heavy metals) and flavonoids (powerful anti-oxidants, which can help prevent disease).
Apples can range from very sweet to decidedly tart, depending on the variety. It's worth trying out different varieties, just to experience the wide range of flavours the humble apple offers.
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How To Choose |
If you have the option, only choose organic apples. Apples are one of the most heavily sprayed crops and significant levels of pesticides, fertilisers and fungicides are found in non-organic produce. If you don't have this option, then it's probably better to peel them.
Choose apples that are as fresh as possible.
Warning: Imported apples can be up to 9 months old!
If you're concerned about food miles, it's essential to check the country of origin. Outside of the UK season, apples are often shipped from as far as New Zealand and Argentina. Not only does this have an environmental impact, but your apples will be months old, by the time you eat them.
Eat your apples while they're still firm.
Blemishes aren't a problem - nor are funny shapes. So your veg box apples might not look as cosmetically perfect as the supermarket variety. But they should taste better. |
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How To Store |
Store apples somewhere cool and dark, if possible. Don't keep them in the fridge or you won't get the full benefit of their flavour.
They can be stored for months, if picked straight from the tree, individually wrapped in newspaper and stored somewhere cool and dark - preferably with good air circulation.
But they taste better and have a high nutritional content if eaten soon after harvesting. |
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How To Use |
Always wash apples before using.
There's no need to peel them (even in the majority of recipes) and many of the vital nutrients lie just below the skin. If they're not organic, peel them.
Apples are delicious just as they are, as a snack.
Or you can cook them in fruit sauces, juice them, grate them in salads and even dry slices in the oven! |
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Suggested Recipes | |
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| Apple & Blackberry Crumble |
Apple and Blackberry crumble is a definitive autumn dessert. In this version, you save even more time by not peeling the apples or pre-cooking the fruit.
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| Baked Butternut Squash With Apple |
Baking or roasting squash gives it a sweeter flavour. Stuffing it with apple makes a delicious variation.
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| Blackberry & Apple Syrup |
This is a delicious way of preserving blackberries and cooking apples. It keeps well in sterilised jars or frozen in pots in the freezer.
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| Bramble & Apple Jelly |
Go straight back to your childhood with this recipe, when you've been out picking wild blackberries and apples.
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| Breakfast Juice |
If you have a juicer, this recipe takes just a few minutes to make. And it's a great way to boost your energy levels for the day.
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| Celeriac And Apple Bake |
This recipe uses a delicious combination of celeriac with apple, to create a sweet, warming winter bake. It’s a great way of introducing celeriac to fussy eaters or just those who fancy a change.
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| Coleslaw |
Home-made coleslaw is quick, delicious and easy. It's just a case of grating / slicing the ingredients and mixing them with the dressing.
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| Fruit Tempura |
Here's a modern take on an old idea. This works well with bananas, peaches, apricots, apple wedges... Your imagination is the limit!
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| Fruity Porridge |
Porridge isn’t just a great way to start the day, it also makes a great meal at lunchtime or for a late supper. By adding dried fruits and seeds, you’re giving yourself a real boost of slow release carbohydrates and essential fatty acids.
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| Lentil Bake (With Optional Apple) |
Lentil bake doesn't have to be dull! In fact, if made well, it's absolutely delicious. And it's a great way of using up any spare veg box items - or even some from the fruit bag.
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| Peanut Butter Coleslaw |
This coleslaw recipe gets an extra zing with the addition of peanut butter to the sauce. It’s packed with delicious fresh vegetables and fruits, but misses out the traditional onion, which makes it a bit more “lunch-time-friendly”, if you know what I mean!
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| Red Cabbage & Apple |
If you're finding it tough to get your family to eat red cabbage, then this recipe is for you.
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| Wimbledon Juice |
Classic early summer ingredients combine to make this Wimbledon celebration juice. So if you can tear yourself away from strawberries and cream with Champagne, you might want to give this one a try!
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Got one? Send us your apple recipe!
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