Golden apples

APPLE

It is one of the most popular fruits and available all year round. Traditionally it was known as "the fruit of health". An apple a day keeps the doctor away (an apple a day keeps the doctor away from your door).

Many healing properties are attributed to it, apart from its recognized diuretic power. There are many varieties on the market and their price is very attractive.

The best apples are those that are hard and have no soft parts. Avoid those that are discolored within each variety. Apart from direct consumption, apples are often made into applesauce, juice, jellies, pies and other popular desserts.

Properties of apples / Health
They are rich in Pectin (good ally against cholesterol and diabetes), amino acids, acids, sugars, fibers. Popularly it is assigned anti-inflammatory properties of the digestive system, thanks to pectin is both mild laxative and astringent in case of diarrhea or colitis, diuretic and cleansing, even anti-catarrhal and hypotensive. Even apple juice is often presented as a beauty product, capable of softening the complexion.

Apple varieties / Season
The apple belongs to the Rosaceae family, of which there are about 2,500 known varieties and the genus Malus. Most of them, almost sixty percent, are consumed fresh. Some varieties can be consumed all year round, others from April to December. The best known are: "Golden Delicious", "Red Delicious", "Starking", "Richared", "Reineta Blanca del Canadá", "Verde doncella", "Galiaxis", "Gala", "Fuji", "Belleza de Roma", "Esperiega de Ademuz", "Granny Smith".

The best known Golden & Red Delicious retain their shape and rich mild flavor when baked or cooked. The skin is so soft and thin that it can be eaten unpeeled (red ones are best for eating)

Preparation / Storage

Keep them in plastic bags in the refrigerator after purchase to prevent further ripening. Apples can be kept this way for up to about six weeks. However, check them often and remove any apples that start to go bad.

Wash them well and rinse them with water. Prepare apple dishes just before serving to minimize browning (oxidation). Protect cut apples from oxidation by soaking them in a solution of one serving of citrus juice and three servings of water.