Description:
This refers to the fruit of the apple tree which is the most widely cultivated fruit tree in the world. Apples are available practically all year round, but as dessert fruits, they are best from October to April.
How to select:
They should be firm, without blemishes or wrinkles. Red and yellow skinned varieties should not be too green.
Use:
In a wide variety of desserts including fritters, tarts, flans, mousses etc.
In savoury dishes, especially as apple sauce or apple juice.
How to store:
Apples can be preserved in the form of jams, jellies, preserves in syrup, apple paste and apple sugar and also as the English specialities apple butter, apple cheese and apple chutney.
Health benefits:
The apple provides 52 calories per 100 grams, has a high fruit sugar content and is a good source of iron, potassium and vitamins.
Varieties of Apple
1. Green Apple
Green apple also called "Granny Smith" or "Cooking Apple". It is bright green and waxy, with a firm, juicy, crisp and acidic (tart) flesh. It is used in salads, savoury dishes, chutneys etc. It is also used in baking, especially for making Apple Pie.
2. Dessert Apple
This refers to the "Starking Delicious" variety of apples which are red in colour and have a yellowish, extremely mellow, fine and juicy flesh. They are widely used in desserts and also consumed as a table fruit.
|
