Though the apple crop is a little smaller this year, I must say, this year’s apples are so delicious. Those warm, sunny fall days we’ve had and cooler nights have helped bring out some of the best tasting apples. October is National Apple Month and here in Michigan it’s Apple Cider Month. It’s a great time to get out and celebrate our state’s number one fruit. With over 60 farms in our region that grow apples, and plenty of Harvest Festivals on tap, there are many opportunities to join in the fun!
Selecting and Storing
- Handle apples gently, as some varieties bruise easily. When picking, grasp the apple with the palm of your hand, rather than your fingertips and detach the stem from the branch with your thumb. Keeping the stem in the apple will help it stay fresher longer in storage.
- Apples store best in a plastic bag in the crisper section of the refrigerator. (Make sure there are holes in the bag for ventilation.)
- For longer-term storage, apple slices freeze well.
- Make some applesauce! (See the Fall issue of Edible Grande Traverse for a great recipe!)
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Fun Facts
- Michigan is the third largest producer of apples in the United States, currently producing an average of 18 million bushels each year.
- About 60 percent of Michigan apples are processed into pie fillings, applesauce, juice, etc.
- Apples get their best color when they get sunny days and cool nights.
- Apple tours are a great way to celebrate the harvest: visit Michigan Apples Countryside and Backroad Tours, (http://www.michiganappletours.com/nwtour.html) for details on the Northwest Michigan Apple Tour.
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Nutritional Information:
- Apples are a good source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C.
- They are naturally low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
- A medium size apple has about 80 calories.
- They are also good at helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
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Recipes:
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For a list of farms in your area and more recipes, visit www.localdifference.org.
Taste the Local Difference is a project of the Michigan Land Use Institute’s Entrepreneurial Agriculture Project, which works to grow jobs, save farmland, and build healthier communities with food that’s thousands of miles fresher.
Sources/Links:
www.michiganapples.com
www.bestapples.com
MSU Extension
