Description: Apples come in many colors and sizes ranging from various shades of red to green and yellow.  About 2,500 known varieties of apples are grown in the United States. More than 7,500 are grown worldwide.

 

Availability: Fall, although apples store very well and can generally be found all season long

 

 

Facts: Many of the apple trees originally planted in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky were the result of the labors of John Chapman (also known as Johnny Appleseed). Apples are one of the most popular and important fruits that grow on trees. Apple trees are a member of the rose family. The flavor of apples also varies from tart to sweet.

 

Serving Size = 1 CUP

Selection: Choose firm, shiny, smooth-skinned applies with intact stems.  Should smell fresh, not musty. There are hundreds of varieties of apples on the market today including: Red or Golden Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Macintosh, Jonathan’s, and Rome Beauty  to name a few of the most popular.
 

Storage: Refrigerate in plastic bag away from strong-odored foods.  Use within 3 weeks.

Nutrition Benefits: Fat free; saturated fat free; sodium free; cholesterol free; high source of dietary fiber (20% of daily fiber recommendation). Apples contain known anti-inflammatory nutrients and Vitamins A & C, Folate, Beta Carotene, potassium and pectin.