The Nutrition And Versatility Of Ohio Apples

Thursday, October 11, 2012

By Sharlene Fleming


Ohio apples have a lot to offer in terms of nutrition and flavor. You might want to sample these beautiful fruits to see for yourself how the varieties can be so different yet so full of original taste. Different recipes may be improved when you add this simple but still flavorful fruit to your rotation of seasonal ingredients.

This fruit is nature's perfect delivery system for a balance of nutrients and fiber. The fruit is rich in potassium and carbohydrates, so you can get a quick energy boost from eating one. The bulk of the apple's fiber is in the peel, so eating one raw can give you the most fiber benefit in your diet. One medium apple has 80 calories, so this filling food also happens to be low in calories.

The range of orchards in the state also bear quite a variety of this type of fruit for you to experiment with in different dishes. The tart variations are best when baking with cinnamon and other flavorful sweeteners. The sweeter varieties are great for meals or desserts, or even served as cider. When shopping, your local store may have signs designating the types and the flavors that you can expect from each one.

This type of fruit could be a good way to begin your morning. From a simple apple with your cereal to some jam to spread on your toast, the fruit might be a wakeup call for your taste buds. Try some apple sausage or even a flavored coffee cake to nibble on through the day.

Your next lunch also could benefit from this type fruit addition when it comes to a low-calorie, high-fiber filler. A turkey wrap could become even sweeter with a few slices added along with raisins. You might also consider slicing up an apple to add to your next salad to help keep you feeling full without adding a lot of calories.

Dinner can be a showcase time for you to fully explore the ways this fruit can enhance your diet while making main dishes taste more special. Try pork tenderloin dishes stuffed with apple and leeks for a new and distinctive flavor. Or, go with a lighter but still satisfying puree of pumpkin and apple-blended soup that may be surprisingly filling. Most Mediterranean styled cookbooks emphasizing low-fat alternatives will spotlight this fruit in many different dishes.

There is an endless supply of dessert ideas using the fruit. With cinnamon, you can blend together delicious pie fillings, strudel dishes or elaborate cobblers that go beyond traditional holiday fare. Open up most any general cookbook and you can find countless ideas to make use of the fruit for maximum sweetness at the end of a meal without sacrificing its nutritious benefits.

The state's orchards are open and ready for your business when you are craving the rich, hearty flavors of Ohio apples. Take an orchard tour today, or book a family outing in fall, which could include a tour of the orchard, some hot cider and samplings of delicious apple dishes. Nothing welcomes the cooler months quite like the warming, satisfying flavors of these fruits.




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