Apple a Day

How can you have a garden column in Washington state and not share the significance of apples! Washington river valleys make the perfect setting for growing this tasty fruit with just the right amount of winter to chill fruit stock and encourage fruit to set in the spring. Washington alone produces 175,000 acres of apples, providing 10 billion apples for consumers annually.

According to the Washington Department of Agriculture, “if you put all the Washington State apples picked in a year side-by-side, they would circle the earth 29 times. (WDA, n.d.)”

The variety of apples is endless with over 7,500 varieties and sizes ranging from large as a grapefruit to as small as cherry. The ways and means to use apples are as endless as their varieties too. From savory dishes to sweet treats or enjoyed raw, the apple is one of the most diverse fruits that adds a nutritional punch to every meal.

Apples are a great source of vitamin C and fiber. In addition, they have polyphenols, sharing a multitude of benefits. Polyphenols are micronutrients that are naturally occurring in plants and often included in supplements. From weight loss to boosting heart health and aiding in lowering the risk of diabetes, the apple is just what the doctor ordered. It also promotes good gut health as a prebiotic. A large Red Delicious apple is approximately 130 calories. The red delicious is perhaps the most health with the high antioxidant levels, shared in a USA Today (2024) report.

Washington Department of Agriculture (WDA, n.d.) identifies 9 varieties of apples to be the top of the crop: Red Delicious (34%), Gala (19%, Fuji (13%, Granny Smith (12%), Golden Delicious (10%), Cripps Pink (3%), Honeycrisp (3%, and Braeburn (3%). The Gala is still number one and is 19% of the state’s apple production.

Washington Grown Harvest of the Month features this yummy recipe that is quick, easy and has very few ingredients. By changing the granola up, one can add variety to this recipe.

Apple Cinnamon Crunch Parfait

4 large Washington Apples

2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 cups granola of choice

Wash, core and slice apples. Place in microwave safe bowl. Add cinnamon, then cover bowl and shake to coat all apples well. Microwave on high for two minutes then stir well. Top apples with granola and add a dollop of yogurt if desired for a delicious breakfast parfait.

References:

USA Today. (2024, January 14). What is the healthiest apple? Here’s how they rank. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/food-dining/2024/01/14/what-is-healthiest-apple/72155568007/

Washington State Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). The top 9 varieties of apples grown in Washington state. https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/farm-to-school/Educators_Flyer_Apples_1.pdf