Boston Organics Twitter
Boston Organics Facebook
Boston Organics Blog
 

Produce Info, Storage Tips and Recipes

Apples

Apples

The Basics

Apples are one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits! The tree originated in Western Asia, where its wild ancestor, the Alma, is still found today. There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples, resulting in a range of desired characteristics. At least 55 million tonnes of apples were grown worldwide in 2005, with a value of about $10 billion. (Learn more about apples on Wikipedia.)

Storage Tips

Refrigerated apples last much longer than those left at room temperature. Apples emit ethylene, a naturally occurring gas that speeds ripening. To prevent apples from speeding up the ripening process of other items in your produce drawer, store them in a plastic bag. Conversely, if you want to speed up the ripening of bananas (or any other ethylene sensitive produce) you can place an apple in a bag with the bananas. To maximize an apple's flavor, let it come to room temperature before eating it.

Nutrition

Like all fruits, apples are a great source of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that helps control infections, as well as maintain healthy bones, teeth, and blood vessels. (See more apple nutrition facts at Self.com.)

Recipes

Apple Charoset
Apple Cider Muffins
Apple Cobbler
Apple Crisp with Caramel
Apple Dumplings
Apple, Goat Cheese, and Pecan Pizza
Apple Sauce
Apple Strudel
Butternut Squash Soup
Celery Root and Apple Soup
Cranberry Apple Thanksgiving Breakfast Bread
Cranberry Sauce Extraordinaire
Grilled Cheese with Apples & Arugula
Harvest Apple Pear Crisp
Himmel Und Erde
Mixed Greens Salad With Apples and Maple-Walnut Oil Dressing
Parsnip Apple Mash
Red Cabbage and Apples
Rutabaga with Caramelized Onions and Apples
Simple Cinnamon Stewed Apples
Sweet Carrot Kugel
Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple, and Red Lentil Soup
Traditional Apple Pie
Whole Wheat Apple Pancakes
Winter Fruit and Vegetable Salad