Flavor of Fall: Apples

Ashdown, Ark. –

Growing up you probably heard the saying “an apple a day will keep the doctor away.” While it may not keep you well all of the time, there are many health benefits to consuming apples on a regular basis. One medium apple (tennis ball size) has 80 calories, 21 g carbohydrate, and 3 g dietary fiber with the skin.  Apples come in many different colors, flavors and sizes. You can find an apple variety that will fit any taste bud.

Apples should be purchased when ripe for best flavor. Look for apples that are firm and free of bruises, skin breaks and decay spots. Some varieties are good for baking such as McIntosh and Granny Smith while others such as Red Delicious are best to be eaten fresh.  Honeycrisp apples are a common favorite to be eaten fresh with the crisp flesh and sweet flavor.

Once you peel the apple, it will brown quickly. Dip freshly sliced apples in 1 quart of water mixed with 3 tablespoons lemon juice to keep the flesh from browning for about 3 hours. Three medium sized apples equal 1 pound of apples for your recipe. Apples will stay fresh for one week outside of the refrigerator. Ripened apples can be stored in the humidifier compartment of the refrigerator and will keep their quality for 1 month.

WALDORF SALAD

1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced apples
1 cup seedless grapes, cut in half
½ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/3 cup plain nonfat yogurt
½ teaspoon sugar

Combine all ingredients, mix well. Refrigerate until served. Makes 6 servings.
Each serving has 140 calories, 2 g protein, 10 g carbohydrate and 2 g fiber.

Sign up for the one-day diabetes course on Friday, November 6^th from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Ashdown Alumni House (next to the old high school). The class offers tips to manage blood sugar, carbohydrate counting and nutrition, and diabetic cooking demonstration.  There will be cooking demonstrations. A diabetic friendly lunch will be provided by the Little River Health System. Space is limited so call 870-898-7224 to sign up today.

Call the Little River County Extension office at (870) 898-7224 or email cascarborough@uada.edu for more recipes or information on apples.  Always feel free to stop by our office at 1411 N Constitution Ave in Ashdown to receive more information. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Research and Extension. The Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
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By Celeste Scarborough, MS, RD, LD
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Celeste Scarborough, MS, RD, LD
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
1411 N Constitution Ave Ashdown AR 71822
(870) 898-7224
cascarborough@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.