Fall into Flavor with Apples: The Seasonal Superfood

It’s that time of the year again when all of us fall lovers get to finally do all of our favorite fall activities we’ve been looking forward to, apple picking being one of them. If you're passing up on apple picking this season or leaving out apples from your cart during your trip to the grocery store, you may want to think twice. 

The amount of health benefits apples provides is the reason why we all say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Apples are jam-packed with nutrients and will be most nutritious when they are eaten raw with the peel. Depending on the type of apple, the nutrient content will vary. Red delicious apples are considered one of the most nutritious options because their skin contains a load of antioxidants. Not only are apples a good source of antioxidants, but they have many other health benefits such as: 

-they are a good source of fiber

-they can improve digestion

-they can aid in gut health

-they can support weight management

-they can boost heart health

Here are some apple dessert recipes you should try for a sweet treat this fall season!

    Easy Cinnamon Apples

    Ingredients:

   3 apples 

    2 tbsp water

   1 tbsp salted butter (or coconut oil)

    1 tbsp maple syrup

    ½ tsp ground cinnamon

    dash of fine sea salt

    ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Cut apples into same-size pieces

2. Put apple pieces into a skillet with 2 tbsp water. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become slightly soft and water is absorbed.

3. Add 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Stir apples and butter together until they are coated. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring every minute until the apples are soft. (may need to be covered for the last 2 minutes).

4. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Stir until mixed well.

5. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring every minute until apples reach desired softness.

6. Remove from heat and serve. 

https://joyfoodsunshine.com/stovetop-cinnamon-apples/

    Healthy Apple Crisp

    Ingredients: 

    5 cups sliced peeled baking apples (gala)

    2 tbsp sugar or sugar substitute

    1 tsp lemon juice

    ½ tsp apple pie spice

    Topping:

    ½ cup rolled oats

    ¼ cup sugar or sugar substitute

    3 tbsp all-purpose flour

    ¼ tsp apple pie spice

    3 tbsp butter

    ½ cup frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed

Directions

1. For filling: preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large bowl combine apples, sugar, lemon juice, and apple pie spice. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart square baking dish.

2. For topping: in a medium bowl combine oats, sugar, flour, and apple pie spice. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over filling.

3. Bake for 30-335 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. If desired, top with whipped topping or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/259497/healthy-apple-crisp/

K.F. 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-apples/

https://www.health.com/apples-benefits-7643492