Energetics of Apples: The Neutral Fruit
The apples were small and wonderfully sour. We ate a few, and then a few more. That night we didn’t want our dinner … and thus proved our Aunt correct when she’d told us, “Don’t eat those green apples, you’ll get a belly ache.”
Varieties
There are actually over 7,500 different varieties of apples throughout the world, although only a small percentage of them are used commercially.
In the US, there are a handful of varieties that are popular in stores. Varieties that are best eaten raw include Red Delicious, Fuji, and Gala. varieties that are best raw or cooked include Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, McIntosh, Jonathan, pippin, and Braeburn. Varieties best for cooking only include Rome Beauty and Crab Apples.
Apples are in peak season between the end of summer and early winter.
How to Choose and Store
Be sure to wash well to remove pesticide residues and any petroleum-based waxes. Slicing apples into a bowl of water with a spoonful of lemon juice prevents browning.
Nutrients
Apples, ripe ones anyway, are full of polyphenols that help regulate blood sugar. To enjoy the fiber benefits make sure you eat the skin – most of the good stuff hides there. Apples are a good source of vitamin C. Aim for the classic, “eat an apple a day”. If you’re trying to lose weight, try an apple before a meal – you’ll eat less (almost 200 calories worth), and gain antioxidants benefits, cancer protection (colon, breast, and lung), and improved gut bacteria (ones that increase the metabolism). Apples also decrease the risk of asthma, protect against macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s. The fiber/pectin content in apples, combined with phytonutrients creates a powerhouse of good-for-you effects – so grab a whole apple and not (heat) processed juice or applesauce; these health benefits apply to the full-package kind of deal. With 7,000 varieties there are plenty to choose from.
Energetics
Cooling, sweet-and-sour flavor; reduces heat, moistens dryness, protects lungs, stimulates appetite, remedies indigestion, benefits digestion. Pectin helps remove cholesterol, heavy metals, and radiation residues. Benefits low blood sugar. Grated apple poultice over the eyes for twenty minutes relieves swelling and irritations (sunburn, ‘pink eye’). Beneficial for the liver and gallbladder, and softens gall stones.
Apple-Carrot Salad
Quick Serving Idea
Ingredients
1 diced medium Apple
1 shredded medium carrot
1/2 diced pineapple
1/4 cup raisins
Preparation
Combine ingredients for a delicious and nutritious salad
Recipe courtesy of WHFood.com