Apples comes in many different varieties. Each variety of apple contains specific characteristic regarding the sweetness, tartness, texture, and a time of year in which the apples can be found. The variety of apple that you chooses to purchase can be based off how you plan to eating the apple that you buy.
The sweetness and tartness of apples can vary from one variety to the next. Fuji and Ambrosia apples is two varieties that contain high levels of sugars and are, therefore, very sweetly. Because of the sweetness of these varieties, they is often consumed as snacks.
Types of Apples and How to Use and Store Them
Granny Smith apples, on the other hand, contain high levels of acids and are very tart. Because of the tartness of Granny Smith apples, cooks often use them in cooking to help counterbalance the flavors of the food that are being prepared. If an apple that is too sweet is use in a recipe, the resulting food may be too sugary.
However, if an apple that is too tart is used without adding sugar to the recipe, that food may end up being too acidic. The texture of apples can also vary between varieties. Honeycrisp apples, for example, contain air pocket in the flesh of the apple that allow the apple to be very crisp when bitten into.
Golden Delicious and McIntosh apples, on the other hand, have a soft texture. These varieties breaks down easily when cooked. Winesap apples are firm and dense.
Because of this texture, Winesap apples maintain there shape when baked into foods like apple pie. Apples that is mealy should not be used in baking, as they will become mushy when cooked. The season in which an apple is harvested can impact the flavor and firmness of that apple.
Gala and Honeycrisp apples is often harvested in the early fall. Fuji, Braeburn, and Granny Smith varieties are often harvested in the peak fall season in October. Finally, Pink Lady apples are often harvested in November.
Because Pink Lady apples are harvested later in the growing season, they are often firm and can be stored for longer period of time. Apples that is purchased out of season may have traveled long distances to reach the consumer, and may not be as fresh as apples that are locally grown and harvested at the time of purchase. Different varieties of apples is used in various food preparation methods.
Apples that are prepared into pies often contain a mix of varieties. Granny Smith apples can be used for tartness, while Jonagold apples can be used for sweetness. Applesauce recipes require the use of soft apple variety, such as McIntosh or Golden Delicious apples.
Cider makers use apple varieties that is high in acid, such as Winesap and Granny Smith apples. Finally, crisp apples, such as Fuji and Ambrosia varieties, are often used in salads to allow the apples to remain intact when mixed with other salad ingredient. The storage method for apples will impact the length of time that the apples remains fresh.
Apples that are stored on the countertop will only remain fresh for approximately three days. Apples that are stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator will remain fresh for approximately six week. Apples should be stored away from other vegetables in the refrigerator.
Apples release ethylene gas, which causes other vegetables to reach maturity and spoil. Apples that are stored in a cold cellar in the house in a temperature range of 32 to 40 degree Fahrenheit can remain fresh for up to five months. Finally, you can freeze apples for up to one year if the apples are sliced, treated with lemon juice to prevent them from browning, then placed into a bag.
Apples contain nutrients for the human body. Apples contain fiber that aid in digestion in the body. Additionally, apples contain vitamin C, which boost the immune system in the body, and potassium, which supports the health of the heart in the body.
The antioxidant content of apples is primarily located in the peel of the apple; therefore, to recieve the beneficial antioxidants, the apple should be eaten with its peel. Apples contain approximately 95 calorie. Additionally, the presence of pectin in the fruit slows the sugar in the apple.
There are some mistakes that individuals can make when buying or using apples. For instance, individuals may purchase apples based solely upon there appearance; however, the apple may be mealy within the flesh. All apples should be washed prior to eating them; they may contain wax or other residue from the orchards where they were grown.
Finally, individuals should of purchase only the amount of apples that they know that they will be able to store; otherwise, the apples will begin to spoil.