Season: June to November.

Description: Apples are a source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Vitamin C protects skin from bruising, aids in healing cuts and keeps gums healthy. Vitamin C boosts the absorption of iron. Apples also provide potassium and fiber. Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and fiber helps control cholesterol and keeps bowel movements regular.

Vitamins: Vitamin C, Potassium, Fiber

Selection: Choose apples that are firm, with no soft spots or wrinkled skin.

Storing: In a cool, dry place or in a plastic bag in the crisper of your refrigerator. Store apples separate from foods with strong flavors or odors, as apples may pick up odors and flavors of other foods. When stored properly, apples can keep up to 1 month.

Preparation: Rinse well and eat plain or use in your favorite recipe.

Serving: Slice and serve with cinnamon, chopped nuts, cheese slices, peanut butter, or with dips like yogurt, cheese sauce or ranch dressing. Add chopped apples to a tuna or chicken salad, oatmeal or cold cereal, pancake or quick bread batters, or vegetable salad like a carrot-raisin or green salad. Grate apples and add them to meatloaf, meatballs, peanut butter or your favorite sandwich spread. Bake apples with sweet potatoes or winter squash. Saute apple slices with pork.

Nutrition Data: Nutrition data for Apples

Recipes containing Apples: