If you like sweet apples, Fuji, Jazz, Golden Delicious, and McIntosh are all creamy and sweet choices. If you like crunchy apples, Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, and Gala will give you the tooth you’re looking for. If you want to bake with your apples, or like tart apples, Granny Smiths, Braeburns, and Jona golds are all solid choices. [2] X Research source
Look for bruising, discolouration, and signs of worm infestation in your apples. Apples with brown soft spots or dark holes that look burrowed into the flesh should be avoided. Little superficial dark dots on the skin of the apple are fine to eat, however. In general, you’re looking for signs of over-ripeness, not under-ripeness. All apples you get at the store should be ripe enough to eat right away. You’re just trying to make sure you don’t get any over-aged apples.
If you don’t want to eat your apples right away, keep them in the refrigerator in a paper bag. Good either way. Saying that one bad apple spoils the bunch is more than just a tidy phrase. Apples produce ethylene as they ripen, which promotes ripening in other fruits around them. [5] X Research source Never store apples in closed plastic bags, or they’ll ripen and spoil very quickly. Go with paper. If you want to store a sliced apple or a halved apple, do so in the refrigerator. These will dry out and brown very quickly, but a little spritz of lemon juice on the flesh of the apple will help to keep it fresh for longer.
Some commercially available apples are covered in a thin layer of food-grade wax, if the tree it comes from has been sprayed. While people have varying opinions about food safety issues associated with eating this, it’s commonly consumed and technically approved for consumption. [6] X Research source If you have concerned about pesticides in the wax around your apple skin, remove the skin of the apple. [7] X Research source Use a paring knife to remove the apple skin carefully, leaving as much of the white flesh as possible. The skin of the apple is the highest in fiber and a compound called ursolic acid, which has been linked to weight loss, respiratory health, and blood sugar regulation. [8] X Research source
Contrary to popular belief, the “core” of apples are perfectly edible though it may be uncomfortable to eat and many people avoid eating it. According to some estimates, eating around and saving the core wastes around 30% of the edible flesh of each apple. Try eating the whole thing, starting at the bottom blossom end of the fruit. Apple seeds do contain a minuscule amount of cyanide, but at levels which are so small there’s no threat of affecting your health. It’s perfectly fine to eat them. [10] X Research source
Cut the apple in half, from the stem to the tail to split the core into two halves. Then, you can cut each half of the apple into slices. It’s usually a good idea to remove the seeded core of the apple with a small paring knife. Alternatively, cut the apple across the “belly,” between the stem and the tail, cutting through the core instead of down it.
Dip in honey, caramel, or peanut butter for a fun and quick snack. Even the pickiest eaters often love apples dipped in peanut butter. Making caramel apples can be a fun cooking project with kids (or adults). Eat slices of sharp cheddar or swiss cheese with apple slices for a salty and sweet combination, or combine apples with sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds, or a combination of other seeds and nuts for added protein.
Start by washing and cutting up your raw apples into bite-sized pieces. In a medium pot over medium-low heat, add the apples and a small amount of water to keep the apples from scorching. Let applesauce cook down, stirring regularly, until it reaches the desired consistency. Stir the apples regularly, adding brown sugar and cinnamon to them to suit your taste. [13] X Research source You can eat fresh applesauce warm or let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for a cold version. Store applesauce in the refrigerator if you want to save it. [14] X Research source
Apple pie Baked Apple Apple Cake Vegan Apple Cake Apple Muffins
Apple cider or is another excellent drink that you can make at home, though it’s technically somewhat different than juicing. To make cider, puree apple slices into a consistency similar to applesauce, then strain the pulp through cheesecloth. Store the resulting juice in the refrigerator. [15] X Research source Heat cider and juice on the stove, adding cinnamon, rum, orange zest, clove, and other spicy additions for a great and warm holiday treat.
