October in the Midwest brings warm afternoons, cool nights and a host of autumn activities. My weekends are filled with football games, fall chores and recipe box filled with family favorites. Autumn is apple season in Missouri and Kansas and it’s time to pick, peel and bite our way to good health and rich flavors.
Did you know that a really good apple squirts juice when you take the first bite? In Missouri and Kansas, our climate and soil combine to give our apples beautiful color and a sweet, superb flavor.
Local Varieties
- Jonathan apples are by far the leading Midwest variety. This classic, American apple has a crisp texture and tart flavor, making it a perfect ingredient for pies and desserts.
- Red Delicious apples are the most popular variety worldwide. Our Midwest climate creates this flavorful apple that is best purchased and eaten right after harvest.
- Golden Delicious is mild flavored, yet spicy and juicy. As a naturally sweet apple, it is ideal for applesauce, cider and fresh salads.
- Gala apples are juicy and crisp enough to be eaten whole or sliced for a snack.
Nutritional High Points
- A healthy and portable snack, apples are a no fat, cholesterol free fresh dessert as well as an excellent source of fiber.
- Apples are also a great source of vitamins and minerals: A, B1, B2, C, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, and potassium.
- Sometimes called “nature’s toothbrush,” apples help clean your teeth and massage your gums.
Keeping the Crunch
- A plastic bag helps retain the juiciness of apples, Store bagged apples in your crisper drawer of your refrigerator
- .Apples ripen ten times faster at room temperature than when refrigerated. Cool air between 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit will help maintain quality and crispness.
- One bad apple will definitely spoil the bunch, Sort out any bruised or cut apples before storing.
Celebrate the Season
- Warm apple cider on the stove or in the microwave; add a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange for a quick evening drink.
- Add your favorite rum or brandy for a kicked up adult version of apple cider.
- Take a short drive to a nearby orchard to pick your own apples, enjoy a country hayride and savor the crisp sweet taste of autumn.
Randy Miller, Produce Manager at GreenAcres Market in Kansas City loves this time of the year. “Our local apples look great right now, but you can’t go wrong choosing any apple variety this month” he says. “They are a perfect, portable and healthy snack, and a great way to celebrate the season.”
What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate fall and apple season?
Debbie Jones
