|
|
|
Apple |
An apple is a round tree fruit which has crisp white flesh, with red veins. The skin colour of an apple can vary from yellow to green to red. An apple is a pome fruit, as is a pear. A pome fruit has multiple seeds protected by a core. There are over 100 varieties of apples grown in North America. The varieties grown for BC's commercial production are Red and Gold Delicious, McIntosh and Spartan. Newer varieties now being widely planted.
Storage: Keep apples in plastic bags in the refrigerator after purchasing to prevent further ripening. Apples should keep up to six weeks. However, check apples often and remove any apples that begin to decay or the others will do the same. |
There are about 2500 known varieties grown in the US. Thirty-six states grow them commercially with the following as top producers, WA, NY, MI, CA, PA, & VA. 56%of the 1999 crop was eaten as fresh fruit and 42% was processed.
High flavor impact.The crisp, aromatic Braeburn blends sweetness and tartness just right for snacks and salads. Its color varies from greenish-gold with red sections to nearly solid red.
Available year round Goldens firm, white flesh retains its shape and rich, mellow flavor when baked or cooked, making it the preferred "all purpose" cooking apple. The skin is so tender and thin that it doesn't require peeling. The red is the favorite for eating. |
Health Benefits of Apples |
Here is Brief Description about the Health Benefits of Apples.
- Apples contain a number of antioxidant such as polyphenol and flavonoid that reduce the risk of development of cancer by preventing DNA damage.
- The fibre content of apples helps in regulating bowel movements
which ultimately reduces the risk of colon cancer
- As apples do not contain any cholesterol and are a good source of fibre, the fibre content helps reducing cholesterol levels in the body.
- A recent study found that apples reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsonism and Alzheimer’s. The natural antioxidants found in apples protect nerve cells from neuro-toxicity caused by oxidative stress which ultimately prevents neurodegenerative diseases.
- An apple a day reduces the risk of skin diseases.
- Apple cider vinegar used as beverage prevents the formation of kidney stone.
- Consuming apples prevent digestive and liver problems. Eat an apple after a non vegetarian meal for easy digestion.
- A study has found that 100g of apple contains the amount of antioxidant equal to 1.500mg of Vitamin C.
- Apples have been recommended for arthritis, obesity, gallbladder stones, bronchial asthma, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, anemia, insomnia, pyorrhea, neuritis and halitosis.
|
Nutritional Benefits of Eating Apples |
The nutritional benefits of eating apples are countless. It is suggested that apples can treat obesity, arthritis, bronchial asthma, prevent some cancers, tuberculosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinsonism, etc.
|
Cosmetic Benefits of Apples |
- Application of apple pulp on the face cures and improves acne.
- Keeping the apple pulp on the eyelids for 15 to 20 minutes reduces strain of the eyes.
- Paste made up apple leaves and used as shampoo cures dandruff, prevents hair fall and promotes hair growth.
|
How to buy fresh Apples?The many varieties of apples differ widely in appearance,
flesh characteristics, seasonal availability, and
suitability for different uses.
For good eating as fresh fruit, the commonly available
varieties are: Red Delicious, McIntosh, Granny Smith,
Empire, and Golden Delicious. For making pies and
applesauce, use tart or slightly acid varieties such as
Gravenstein, Grimes Golden, Jonathan, and
Newtown.
For baking, the firmer fleshed varieties - Rome
Beauty, Northern Spy, Rhode Island Greening,
Winesap, and York Imperial - are widely used.
Look for: Firm, crisp, well-colored apples. Flavor
varies in apples, and depends on the stage of maturity
at the time that the fruit is picked. Apples must be
mature when picked to have a good flavor, texture,
and storing ability. Immature apples lack color and
are usually poor in flavor. They may have a shriveled
appearance after being held in storage.
Most apples are marketed by grade, and consumer
packages show the variety, the grade, and the size.
U.S. grades for apples are: U.S. Extra Fancy, U.S.
Fancy, U.S. No. 1, and combinations of these grades.
U.S. Utility is a less desirable grade. Apples from the
far Western States are usually marketed under State
grades which are similar to the U.S. grades.
Avoid: Overripe apples (indicated by a yielding to
slight pressure on the skin, and soft, mealy flesh) and
apples affected by freeze (indicated by internal
breakdown and bruised areas). Scald on apples
(irregularly shaped tan or brown areas) may not
seriously affect the taste.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special fruits for this week
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|