It’s Apple Season! Varieties, Health Benefits, and Delicious Recipe Ideas

/by

 Apples are a favorite fall fruit. What many people don’t realize is that there are many different varieties of apples, with some having different tastes and health benefits than others. Now that apple season has arrived, you probably want to take advantage of the bounty available. Here’s what you need to know about apples and some delicious recipes you can make with them this season. 

Different Varieties of Apples

Did you know that the United States is one of the world’s largest apple producers, second only to China? Each year, this country produces roughly 240 million bushels of apples. And there are many varieties to choose from, including:

  •  Fuji — These are typically bi-colored, sweet, firm apples and also one of the most popular varieties. 
  • Golden Delicious — This is a sweet, mild apple that also works well in crisps and pies.
  • Red Delicious — This is widely recognized as a crispy, juicy, and sweet snack choice. 
  • Granny Smith — This green, tart apple is as popular as a snack as it is an ingredient in apple sauce and pies. 
  • Pink Lady — This apple has a pink blush and a tasty, pleasant flavor. 
  • Honeycrisp — This newly popular variety has a mild honey flavor. It is great as a snack and works well in salads. 
  • McIntosh — This juicy, tart, and tangy apple is a popular choice for pies. 

Is Eating Apples Good For You?

No matter the season or what apple you choose, you’re making a positive move for your health. However, some apples will give you more benefits than others. From an antioxidant standpoint, Red Delicious apples are the best. As a refresher, antioxidants help balance out the body’s free radicals, which can prevent cell damage and disease. 

If you want to boost your Vitamin C intake, try McIntosh or Pink Lady apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent sources of fiber. No matter what apple you choose, eat the skins because they are great sources of fiber and antioxidants. 

Apples are a source of natural sugar, which is often misunderstood. You don’t have to avoid apples because of this. In fact, the natural sugar in apples is an excellent source of energy, which could get you through a mid-morning or afternoon slump. 

8 Delicious Apple Recipe Ideas to Celebrate Apple Season!

Now that you know more about apples and their health benefits, you’re probably ready to whip up a few dishes using them. Here are some delicious apple recipes you can make this fall and throughout the year. 

1. Classic Apple Pie

This classic apple pie recipe is not only simple to make, but it will also produce a professional-looking dessert. It includes instructions for making a flaky crust and yummy filing made from Granny Smith apples. 

2. Apple Smoothie

This cinnamon-spiced apple smoothie is refreshing and tasty. It’s packed with protein and gives you that natural sweetness we discussed above. The ingredients include your favorite apples, bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, spices, and ice. 

3. Apple Cheddar Soup

Try this apple-cheddar soup on a chilly fall day. In addition to apples and cheese, it includes potatoes and bacon for a hearty meal. Even better, it takes just over 30 minutes to prepare. 

4. Apple Crumble

Who doesn’t love a warm apple crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? This fall dessert is an excellent alternative to apple pie. You’ll need roughly eight baking apples and plenty of walnuts for your topping. 

5. Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

On a chilly fall day, consider cooking up this roasted chicken made with apples, cranberries, and maple glaze. It makes about four servings and takes just over 30 minutes to prepare. 

6. Homemade Applesauce

While store-bought applesauce can be delicious, you might want to try your hand at the homemade variety. This simple recipe only takes about 15 minutes of prep time and includes just four ingredients after you prepare your apples. 

7. Apple Fritter Pancakes

Apple fritter pancakes make a yummy breakfast treat, especially when topped with authentic maple syrup. You can use any type of apple for this recipe. If the ones you choose are tart, you may wish to add some extra sugar. 

8. Waldorf Salad

If you’re looking for a lighter dish or something you can serve for lunch, consider this Waldorf Salad. The recipe includes several different types of apples, toasted walnuts, and light dressing. 

Buy Your Seasonal Apples and Recipe Ingredients at Nick’s of Calvert

Now that you know all about apples and have some delicious recipes to choose from, it’s time to gather up your ingredients. Nick’s of Calvert can help. We are a longstanding family-run grocery store that offers only the highest-quality and freshest ingredients. Visit us today or give us a call at (410) 414-7105 with any questions. 

Hydration and Healthy Eating During Hot Weather 

/by

When the summer heat sets in, it’s critical to stay healthy. While drinking water throughout the day is important, you can also increase your body’s hydration by eating certain foods. It’s true that foods with a high fluid content can have a positive impact on your body’s hydration levels. Here’s why you should be focusing on hydration in the hottest months and what foods and beverages can keep you hydrated and refreshed when it’s blazing hot outside. 

Why You Need to Stay Hydrated in the Heat

As temperatures rise, the risk of dehydration becomes more real. Dehydration occurs when you lose more bodily fluids than you take in. And fluids are critical to your body’s optimal functioning. They help control and regulate blood pressure and body temperature, aid in the proper functioning of your gastrointestinal system, and deliver oxygen and nutrients to your cells. 

Dehydration can be a dangerous condition which can lead to things like body cramps and heat exhaustion. In its most extreme form, it can cause seizures and possibly life-threatening shock or heatstroke. 

Hydrating Foods and Beverages for Hot Weather

Your body’s fluid needs depend on a variety of factors, such as age, body size, climate, activity level, and diet. Since hydration needs tend to be individual, there are no recommended intake levels that apply to everyone. What is important is that you get an “adequate intake” of fluids, especially when it’s hot outside. 

What many people don’t realize is that you can get fluids from food as well as beverages. Water is an ideal choice for hydration, but there are other options you can choose. Here are some great hydrating foods and beverages you can put on your list for when the temperatures heat up:

Foods With a High Percentage of Water (90%-100%)

Believe it or not, some foods are nearly 100% water. Here is a list of fruits, veggies, and beverages that are almost as good as drinking a glass of water:

  • Spinach
  • Asparagus
  • Broccoli
  • Celery
  • Cabbage
  • Cantaloupe
  • Muskmelon
  • Tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Baby carrots
  • Watermelon
  • Zucchini
  • Radishes
  • Watercress
  • Strawberries
  • Iceberg and romaine lettuce
  • Cucumbers
  • Broth
  • Coconut water
  • Skim milk

Foods With a Substantial Percentage of Water (80%-90%)

You still can’t go wrong choosing foods that are up to 90% water. These include:

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Pineapple
  • Green grapes
  • Peaches
  • Grapefruit
  • Pears
  • Cottage cheese
  • Apples
  • Kiwi
  • Limes
  • Navel oranges
  • Plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Foods With a Large Percentage of Water (70%-80%)

If you’re eating foods that are composed of up to 80% water, you’re going to stay pretty hydrated. Some of these foods include:

  • Salmon (cooked)
  • Yellow corn (cooked)
  • Shrimp (cooked)
  • Lentils (cooked)
  • Avocados
  • Part-skim ricotta cheese

What to Avoid in the Hot Weather

No one likes to go without their favorite foods and drinks. But there are few things you want to avoid or at least cut back on when the temperatures are blazing hot. These include caffeine, alcohol, and sugary sodas. 

While advertisers might want you to believe sugary juices are refreshing, they actually contribute to electrolyte loss. A better option would be to choose specific electrolyte drinks or make your own flavored drinks with water, cucumber, lemon, or some other hydrating fruit. 

What about food? Lighter and smaller meals are better when it’s hot because digestion creates heat, so consuming a heavy meal when it’s hot out can cause your body to struggle. 

No-Cook Recipes to Keep You Hydrated

When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want to do is pre-heat your oven. Here are a few no-cook recipes you can prepare using some of those hydrating foods:

  • Watermelon, Blueberry, and Feta Salad — This refreshing no-cook recipe includes watermelon, cucumber, blueberries, feta, and basil. It’s delicious and sure to keep you hydrated. 
  • Lettuce Wraps with Chicken and Avocado Salad — If you can buy pre-cooked chicken at the store, you won’t have to touch your oven to make this recipe that also includes plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, avocado, and mayo. 
  • Tuna Macaroni Salad — This is a summertime favorite meal, so it might be worth it to turn on a burner to cook the pasta for this filling and hydrating dish. 
  • Strawberry Jell-O Salad — This popular dish is equal parts salad and dessert, with ingredients like Jell-o, strawberries, sour cream, crushed pineapple, and sliced bananas. 

Get Everything You Need to Stay Hydrated and Healthy in the Heat

The best place to shop is Nick’s of Calvert for hydrating fresh fruits, vegetables, and more. If you’re looking to stay healthy as the seasons change, we can help. And it doesn’t stop with produce — check out our selection of beverages, high-quality meats and cheeses, snacks, and pre-made foods. Visit us today or call 410-414-7105 with any questions.