I thought that I'd keep it light and informative this time. I try to eat seasonally based on what is being grown in Ontario, but can't always follow it perfectly. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I know that it's better for the environment and that it's better nutritionally to eat seasonally, but honestly I mostly do it because locally grown produce simply tastes so good! In August, I ate corn and peaches and tomatoes until I was almost sick of them. Now it's apple season and I'll eat apples almost every day until Clementine/Mandarin season starts in December. Every fall I go apple picking just outside of Toronto and buy about 40lbs of apples, which usually last until December in the fridge. I make apple sauce, apple crisp, apple cake, apple muffins, and most frequently I just cut up and eat a good old juicy apple.
Next question: An apple a day keeps the Naturopathic Doctor away, but why?
Apples contain a variety of phytochemicals, all of which are potent anti-oxidants.
Storage has little effect on the anti-oxidants in apples, but processing can (eat the apple, don't drink the juice!)
Epidemiological studies have linked the eating of apples apples with reduced risk of some cancers, heart disease, asthma, and diabetes.
Laboratory research has shown apples to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, decrease lipid oxidation, and lower cholesterol.
One medium sized apple contains about 5 grams of fibre (more than most bowls of cereal!)
Apples contain prebiotics (they feed probiotics) and possibly probiotics as well. The good bacteria was found more commonly in organic apples and was found throughout the apple but was concentrated in the core.
Apples contain quercitin, which a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties.
I hope that you enjoy apple season (and the health benefits that come with it) as much as I do!