It’s the rare person who hasn’t heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” – and research seems to back up that saying.
A 2017 report in Medial News Today indicates a myriad of health benefits associated with eating apples. Rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber, the phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Eating apples may also help improve neurological health, reduce the risk of stroke, decrease bad cholesterol and help prevent obesity.
Apples really are nutritional powerhouses. With almost no fat, sodium, or cholesterol, apples contain important nutrients, including Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, dietary fiber, phytonutrients, and minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. And, they’re delicious!
According to the US Apple Association, in 2018, the most popular apples in the U.S. are Gala, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious. With varieties that literally range from A (Ambrosia) to Z (Zestar!®), there’s bound to be an apple that tickles your taste buds.
And while it’s easy enough to grab a bag of apples at the grocery, with the cooler fall weather, why not venture out to a local orchard and pick them yourself?
Several local farms offer apple picking, including Simmons Farm (170 Simmons Rd, McMurray, (724) 941-1490), Trax Farms (528 Trax Rd, Finleyville, (412) 835-3246), Brown's Orchard (267 Southview Rd, McDonald, (724) 356-7960) and Triple B Farms (823 Berry Lane, Monongahela (724) 258-3557). Check out their websites and get pickin’!
Terry Kish is a freelance writer in the Pittsburgh area. She has been an integral part of the writing team for This Awful-Awesome Life since September 2017.