Fall is here, and with it comes some of the season’s best flavors—pumpkins, winter squash, cranberries, and of course, apples. Apples are one of the most popular fruits, available in countless varieties ranging from sweet to tart. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for eating fresh, baking into pies and crisps, blending into smoothies, or even stirring into oatmeal and yogurt.
Beyond taste, apples are also packed with nutrition. They’re a great source of fiber (especially in the peel), vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for the whole family.
Top 5 Apple Varieties
- Gala: Sweet and versatile; perfect for applesauce, baking, or snacking.
- Honeycrisp: One of the most popular varieties of apples due to their sweet taste and crisp texture. One of the best for eating right out of your hand!
- Fuji: Another sweet, crisp variety that’s great for slicing into salads or on top of hot cereal.
- Granny Smith: Tart and firm, these green apples hold up beautifully in pies and baked desserts because they holds their shape and do not get too mushy.
- Golden Delicious: This apple has a softer texture (even the skin) and sweet taste. It is can be used in baking and you can leave the skin on!
Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe
One of the simplest (and tastiest) ways to enjoy apple season is by making homemade applesauce. Using a slow cooker makes the process effortless!
- 3-6 pounds of apples (peeled, cored and cut up into chunks)
- ½ cup of water
- ground cinnamon (optional, to taste)
Directions:
- Add apples, cinnamon (use as much or as little as you like) and water to a large slow cooker
- Cover and cook on the high for 3-4 hours
- Once done, mash with a whisk or potato masher until you reach your desired texture
- Let cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
This recipe works especially well with Gala apples, but you can experiment with any variety. Try applesauce stirred into yogurt, spread on pancakes or waffles, blended into smoothies, or even as a healthy substitute for oil in baked goods.
Make It a Family Activity
Apple season isn’t just about eating, it’s about the experience, too! Many local farms and orchards offer apple-picking, which makes for a fun fall outing with friends or family. Kids and adults alike will love filling their baskets, tasting different varieties, and bringing home the freshest fruit possible.
Whether you’re snacking on a crisp Honeycrisp, baking with Granny Smiths, or simmering up a batch of applesauce, apples are the perfect way to savor fall flavors. This season, take advantage of local orchards, try new apple varieties, and enjoy the health and happiness that apples bring to the table.