APPLE DAY ...


I really like apples, but I admit I don't have an apple tree. My favorite is accessing the grocery store where picking apples is reduced to a good display of the most popular apple options full of nutritious food. Gala recently skipped Red Delicious as the most popular apple. I personally am grateful for that as I have always thought of Red Delicious as a “beautiful face” with an amazing taste.


If you wonder, the 10 most popular apples start with Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Braeburn and Jazz, who have just arrived. These ten apples find their way to the store because they are harvested and well-traveled, brightly colored, and complement the need to provide delicious or refined and fresh apples. They often borrow, especially Golden Delicious and Gogo Smith, from cooking.



Apples are grown all over the world and China is a country that produces an estimated 44 million tons per year. I personally like to think that the United States is very productive because of our roadside fall tents with apples from orchards down the track. The United States, however, ranks second, producing five million tons. It is estimated that there are 2,500 varieties of apples available. This is mainly because of the people, over the decades, have been patiently connected, growing, and caring for apples to perfection.


My siblings and I grew up with several apple trees in our backyard. One was ready to climb, but it produced lush green apples the size of ping pong balls that fell in bulk, cost millions, and were useless. My father wanted us to gather the apples before he cut the grass. Somehow that unpleasant task did not break the love of apples for us.


Overall, apples are a natural and nutritious gift from nature. They come in attractive packaging with durable, yet soft, colored leather with a unique design. They fit into bags, lunch boxes, and a kitchen counter top for easy snacks or drinks. They seem to be available year-round and make it easy to enjoy every day.


So does an apple a day keep the doctor away? A medium apple contains about 95 calories, four to five grams of fiber and 25 grams of total carbohydrate. The fiber is usually in the form of a soluble fiber known as pectin which helps to drain water from the intestines to soften the excrement and promote vessel adaptability. Soluble fiber helps hold cholesterol down and slow down digestion to get the full effect. Apple skin contains insoluble fiber that helps build mass and helps in general. A side benefit may be that apples help with weight loss and provide a lower spike in blood sugar for some people with diabetes. Apples also provide potassium and vitamin C. As we learn more about the importance of fruits, vegetables and fiber that contribute to a healthy intestinal microbiome, an apple a day can really help keep a doctor down.


Note: The USDA recommends that the daily intake of fiber for adults over the age of 50 should be 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men based on 2,000 calories a day. After 50 years, women and men should have 21 grams and 30 grams respectively.


Cinnamon Apple Topping

This recipe works wonderfully over cooked oats or yoghurt.


Cut one medium apple (5 to 6 ounces) into the skin into small pieces. Place the apple slices in a small saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon of apple juice concentrate (do not add water), ¼ cinnamon spoon, 2 tablespoons dried grapes. Mix together. Cover the pan and allow to cook a little to soften the apples for 15 to 20 minutes or until the apples are soft. Meanwhile fry 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts and set aside to garnish. The recipe makes two servings and can be doubled or tripled. While the apples are cooking, prepare your oatmeal. Both should be ready at about the same time.