Is it true that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Maybe not but apples are a healthy and sweet fruit that are now in season. Apples are versatile and can be added to sweet as well as savory dishes. According to ScienceDaily, apples are rich in antioxidants and can be deliciously paired with protein packed peanut butter or baked in a pie with sugar and cinnamon. Based on nutritional information from the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) a medium sized apple contains 14% percent of the daily requirement of Vitamin C and an incredible 17% of the daily requirement of fiber. These percentages are for a 2,000 calorie diet.

A naturally fat free, crispy, and fresh fruit that is ripe in the fall, apples make a great addition to any meal. Research from Medical News Today reveals that apples are high in many vital nutrients and may have many health benefits that may include lowering the risk of breast cancer development. For an apple infused breakfast, add small pieces to the top of oatmeal or cereal or bake it in breads, muffins, or even pancakes. To make a kid-friendly and satisfying snack, pair it with caramel or nut butters, and top it off with marshmallows, raisins, or chocolate chips.

For a festive touch, apples can be cut into fun shapes such as hearts or stacked to make sandwiches. For the fall holidays, apple pie and caramel apples are always a classic dessert and warm apple cider provides a sweet and aromatic flavor. But what about appetizers? The classic combination of apples and cheese along with deli meats on a cracker or a kebab is sure to delight any party guest.

Based on information from the Mayo Clinic, applesauce can be used as a healthy substitute for half of the butter or oil in a baking recipe or it can replace syrup as a sweetener. For the calorie conscious, a baked apple with a dash of cinnamon, according to WebMD, can make a dessert style snack that is still healthy.

Apples also come in a wide variety of sweetness and texture, making them incredibly easy to incorporate into any meal. Bettycrocker.com provides a helpful chart of different types of apples and their uses. For example, the sweet and popular Fuji apple is great as a snack and as an addition to salads but is not recommended for baking purposes. The more sour Granny Smith apple can be used in baking, sauces, and as a companion to peanut butter for a snack.

In conclusion, apples are a healthy and sweet fruit that should become part of your daily diet. Find apple based recipes or share new and innovative ideas for this holiday season. Grab an apple before or after school for a quick and easy snack. Either way, apples are a great idea.