Monday, October 20, 2008

Eat locally and seasonally - Apple picking

This is the perfect time to get outside and visit your local apple orchard. Last week, we visited Hilltop Orchard in Richmond, Massachusetts and had a great time apple picking. They had a large variety of apples: Milton (heirloom), Cortland, Ginger Gold, Jersey Mac, McIntosh, Paula Red, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Strawberry Apple, Summer Delight, Wealthy (heirloom) .

Now the big decision is what to do with all these apples besides eating one a day. I am looking forward to making apple sauce, apple crumble, apple muffins, apple pie and apple toppings for pancakes and French toast.

Why does an apple a day keep the doctor away? Apples are loaded with fiber, flavonoids, phytonutrients and antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C, quercetin, catechin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid. Enjoy them fresh off the vine. And they store well in the refrigerator.

Happy picking!

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