Cool breezes swirl around you. Fallen leaves crunch under your feet. The scents of cinnamon and nutmeg tickle your nose. Nothing says autumn quite like an apple that is sweet, crisp, tart, and juicy!
There are more than 2,500 kinds of apples grown in the United States. While apples are commonly eaten out of hand, many varieties are also great for cooking. Their culinary versatility shows in many ways.
When buying apples, choose those without any bruises or soft, mushy spots. They should be firm for their specific variety (a McIntosh will not be as firm as a Granny Smith). Look for fruit with shiny skin; dull skin hints at a lack of crispness and flavor.
Apples quickly lose their crispness at room temperature. To keep apples in the fridge, place them in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer. To keep apples for an extended period, wrap each one in non-colored newsprint and then store it in a dark, cool place, such as a cellar or garage.
The best way to prevent apple browning is to soak the cut fruit in a saltwater solution of half a teaspoon of kosher salt per cup of water for 10 minutes, then drain and store until ready to use. The mild salt flavor can be rinsed off with tap water before serving.
In my opinion, one of the best eating apples is the Honeycrisp. This apple has exceptionally crisp, juicy, sweet-as-honey flesh with just a hint of tartness. I prefer Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Pink Lady (also known as Cripps Pink) for cooking and baking. When baking with apples, it’s essential to consider that texture is crucial. Good baking apples have a balance of sweet-tart flavor and will not fall apart when cooked. They should hold their shape and not turn into mush unless you are making applesauce!
When it comes to cooking, apples are mostly closely associated with desserts like pies and crisps. However, their sweet-tart flavor also lends itself to savory dishes. One traditional pairing is apples with pork. The fruit’s sweetness complements the meat’s savory flavor.
Add a fall spin to your favorite salads with apples. Crisp apples add both taste and texture to a salad and can also serve a dual purpose in the salad dressing. Roasted apples and cheddar cheese turn an ordinary mixed green salad into something extra special. Apples pair really well with cabbage. Toss slices of crisp, tart apples into your slaws for flavor and crunch.
Apples add texture and complexity to sandwiches. Shake up your usual lunch routine with a turkey, apple, and bacon sandwich – what a delicious combination! Add apple slices to your favorite panini, such as ham and brie with honey mustard. Try a fun take on traditional tuna salad with cukes and crunchy apples. Make an apple, sauerkraut, and cheddar cheese quesadilla. The sweet-tartness of the apple, creaminess of the cheese, and bite of the sauerkraut work together beautifully in this easy hot sandwich. This combination may seem unusual at first, but it’s worth trying!
When you put “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” together with “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” you know that having apples for breakfast is a healthy way to start your day. Add apples to your smoothies or shred them into oatmeal, pancakes, and muffin batters.
Whip up a simmering bowl of sweet potato and apple soup or curried pumpkin soup flavored with applesauce. A chilled autumn apple soup is the perfect way to embrace the season during warm days.
Busy cooler days call for comforting, one-pot meals. Apples can be paired with pork, vegetables, herbs, apple cider, and cream in a satisfying dish. Try roasting sausages with apples and parsnips for an easy and delicious weeknight recipe cooked on a sheet pan. Stuff apples with savory fillings, such as ground turkey and sage, for a simple, nourishing meal.
A pork and apple dish is the quintessential fall supper. The smell of roasted meat, sweet apples, and spices will make tummies rumble. Glam up dinner with a tart apple salsa made from sweet and spicy apples, which is perfect alongside chili-rubbed pork tenderloin.
For an autumn spin on chicken, pair it with hearty barley, diced dried fruit, and the warm flavors of cinnamon and allspice. For a fancy fall meal, consider a roasted poultry, potatoes, and apple dish.
Onions and apples balance each other beautifully in an elegant frittata. Goat cheese lends the dish its creamy consistency, while the addition of herbs infuses it with a delightfully flavorful taste.
Need a side dish for roast chicken or turkey? Apples add a sweet crunch to stuffing for a delicious accompaniment. Roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and apples come together to create a simple, satisfying side dish. Apple brown sugar baked beans will have everyone asking for seconds. Fans of sweet and savory side dishes will like a cabbage recipe featuring apples, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. For a hint of spice, add a pinch of ginger. Yum!
Apple and cheddar join forces in a quick but delicious cheesy apple bread. It’s a perfect accompaniment to an autumn meal.
All apples are not created equal – at least when it comes to cooking versus eating them fresh. However, regardless of variety, they are all excellent for you. Apples are a good source of soluble fiber, potassium, and folic acid.
Celebrate the arrival of fall on your dinner plate. Try some delicious apple dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and savor the flavors! Be sure to choose the right type of apple for your specific dish.
While apples are commonly eaten out of hand, many varieties are also great for cooking. Their culinary versatility shows in many ways.
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Community Vitality & Health Educator
Sources:
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service, www.fns.usda.gov
- Food, www.food.com
- US Apple Association, www.usapple.org