Late summer, autumn until mid winter is apple season in North America. No fruit is more shrouded in folklore and more versatile.
When I was twelve years old, we had an apple tree in the backyard. I think they were Granny apples, always green and tart. I loved them. I could sit in that tree and eat them all day. Of course, I ended up with a tummy ache. Just about everyone has an apple story.
Apples are one of the most beloved fruit. In old English, the word for fruit was apple. And while it probably wasn't an apple that Eve ate, it sure looks good in all those paintings. No one knows for sure if it was a falling apple that inspired Isaac Newton. Who can forget the red shinning apple in Snow White?
Historical botanists say the first apple groves were in the in the high plains of the Caucasus Mountains. The Romans were the first to cultivate the apple and to bring it to the rest of Europe. People use apples for cider, juice, cooking, baking, sauce and just for eating They are high in fiber and low in calories.
There are over 5,000 varieties of apples. Here are just some of the most popular and what they are good for.
Braeburn : Usually early to mid fall. It's perfect for just about everything. I use it for sauce, baking and just eating.
Fuji: Late fall. Can be large but usually medium. It can be used in baking or sauce or just eating. Also great in salads.
Gala: Late summer, early fall. Great snacking and perfect in salads.
Golden Delicious: Mid fall until winter. Great for pies and baking.
Grannysmith Starting in the late summer and going until late fall. If you love tart, this is your apple! Also great in pies. You might want to use just a bit more sweetener. Compliments many types of cheeses.
Gravenstein: Fall. Great for eating, pies, and sauce.
McIntosh: Fall right through winter. My favourite apple for baking and sauce. If you like something just a bit tart but not too much it's great for snacking. They fit in almost any lunch box.
Red Delicious: Mid fall through Winter. I find they are best just before Christmas. They are great for eating. Don't recommend them for baking or sauce.
Rome Beauty: Late Fall through Winter - Great eating.
Spartan: Mid Fall through Winter. Almost like the McIntosh. Great for sauce and baking.
Sunrise Same as the McIntosh just a bit different flavor. Good for baking.
Apple Sauce
Nothing easier to make - versatile and useful. Applesauce can be used as a substitute for oil one to one in most baking recipes. I use McIntosh or Spartan.
