Apples are one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits! The tree originated in Western Asia, where its wild ancestor, the Alma, is still found today. There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples, resulting in a range of desired characteristics. At least 55 million tonnes of apples were grown worldwide in 2005, with a value of about $10 billion. (Learn more about apples on Wikipedia.)

Varieties

McIntosh: This popular variety has a thick red and green skin with soft white flesh.  Commonly grown in New England, it is as good a snack as it is a variety for preparing apple sauce or apple cider.  The Mcintosh apple grows through fall and into early winter.  As the season progresses, their taste becomes increasingly sweeter. 

Empire: Empire apples are actually a cross between the Mcintosh and  Red Delicious apples.  The skin of the empire apple is thin and bright red with faint white striations, its top is capped with a light green blush. It is a medium sized apple and round in shape with a creamy white interior. Its crisp and juicy flesh has a flavor that is sweet like a Red Delicious and tart like a McIntosh.

For more information on apple varieties visit this resource.

Storage Tips

Refrigerated apples last much longer than those left at room temperature. Apples emit ethylene, a naturally occurring gas that speeds ripening. To prevent apples from speeding up the ripening process of other items in your produce drawer, store them in a plastic bag. Conversely, if you want to speed up the ripening of bananas (or any other ethylene sensitive produce) you can place an apple in a bag with the bananas. To maximize an apple’s flavor, let it come to room temperature before eating it.

Nutrition

Like all fruits, apples are a great source of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that helps control infections, as well as maintain healthy bones, teeth, and blood vessels. (See more apple nutrition facts at Self.com.)

Seasonality

We have access to organic apples year-round, usually from Washington state. We typically receive local Vermont apples during the fall and continue to receive them from storage through the spring.

Recipes

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Rice, Apples and Chevre
Apple Beet Charoset
Apple Charoset
Apple Cheddar Maple Pizza (The Vermonter)
Apple Cider Muffins
Apple Cobbler
Apple Crisp with Caramel
Apple Dumplings
Apple, Goat Cheese, and Pecan Pizza
Apple Honey Whiskey Muffins
Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust
Apple Sauce
Apple Strudel
Basic Apple and Sage Stuffing
Beer Battered Apple Fritters
Buttercup Squash with Apples
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Ginger
Butternut Squash Apple Cranberry Bake Recipe
Butternut Squash Soup
Carnival Squash Stuffed With Apples and Thyme
Celery Root and Apple Soup
Charoset
Cranberry Apple Thanksgiving Breakfast Bread
Cranberry Applesauce
Cranberry Chutney with Apple and Crystallized Ginger
Cranberry Sauce Extraordinaire
Delicata or Acorn Squash with Thanksgiving Stuffing
Delicata Squash and Apple Saute
Gluten Free Cranberry Apple Crisp
Grilled Cheese with Apples & Arugula
Grilled Peaches, Gorgonzola and Dandelion Greens
Gruyere, Apple and Sage Scones
Harvest Apple Pear Crisp
Healthier Organic Caramel Apples
Heirloom Apple Salsa
Himmel Und Erde
Homemade Fruit Leather Roll-Ups
Homemade Mint Jelly
Kale Apple Carrot Grape Juice
Kale-Apple Coleslaw with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Kale Salad with Roasted Apples and Pomegranate
Kid-Friendly Apple Cheddar Frittata
Kiwi-Pear Juice
Kohlrabi and Apple Slaw
Mango Chutney
Mixed Greens Salad With Apples and Maple-Walnut Oil Dressing
Parsnip Apple Mash
Pork Chops with Apple, Fennel and Sage
Puffy Apple Pancakes
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Red Cabbage and Apple Soup
Red Cabbage and Apples
Rutabaga with Caramelized Onions and Apples
Simple Cinnamon Stewed Apples
Slightly Spicy Beet and Apple Salad
Sunchoke Apple Soup
Sweet-and-Sour Cabbage
Sweet Carrot Kugel
Sweet Cranberry-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple, and Red Lentil Soup
Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Braising Greens
Sweet Red Cabbage and Apples
Traditional Apple Pie
Turkey Meatloaf with Tomato Topping
Turnips Braised in Málaga Wine
Whole Wheat Apple Pancakes
Winter Fruit and Vegetable Salad