An Apple for Every Taste

Eat a sweet, juicy Red Delicious today and a crisp, tart Winesap tomorrow. Enjoy them both while knowing that there are many more apple delights ahead.

There are over 7,500 varieties available throughout the world. Some are commercially grown and widely distributed, some are specific to a region and maybe even to a singular orchard.

Apples are easily developed and refined into new, exciting varieties.

Farmers have been grafting trees since the 6th century BC. Commercially popular varieties range in color from yellow to green to red. Displaying multifaceted tastes and textures, apples are perfect for eating, baking and making cider.

Every climate creates its own specific variety which can be found in local farmers markets and fruit stands. These locally grown cultivars may not be as beautiful as the fruits on your supermarket shelf, but they may offer a unique taste sensation when in season.

Selecting and Storing Apples

Selecting a ripe apple is easy as pie!

Supermarkets offer a vast selection of apples. Large grocery stores display hundreds of apples and are continually rotating stock. So how do you know the correct way for choosing a ripe fruit?
First, check the apple skin for obvious nicks, cuts or bruises. Damaged fruit will spoil quickly so stay away from these.Second, look at the top and bottom of the apple for any brown coloring. A browning apple indicates over ripeness.Third, feel for any soft areas. A spoiled apple loses firmness quickly.Lastly, does the apple have a good weight? Dense fruit is frequently at their most ripe.

Place your apples in the refrigerator when you get home. Apples like coolness to preserve freshness. Even so, you should eat a ripe apple within three days.

Now you can confidently pick the "apple of your eye."

Baked Apple Recipe

Delicious baked apples bring warmth and comfort.

Flavorful ingredients blend beautifully with apples.

Enjoy baked apples one crisp autumn evening. Treat yourself to an easily made delectable, treat.

INGREDIENTS
4 baking apples such as Golden Delicious and Rome Beautybrown sugar, 1/3 cupcinnamon, to tastechopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are tasty)butter, 1 Tbspraisins, to taste

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Core the apples from the top. Remove all the seeds, but leave the bottom untouched.In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts and raisins.Stuff your apples with your delicious mixture.Place the apples in a 8 x 8 baking pan.Boil 3/4 cup of water and add to the baking pan.Bake for 30-45 minutes. Remove from oven when apples are soft but not squishy.

Enjoy your baked apples. Why don't you be a bit sinful and serve with ice cream? "Yum" is the only way to describe that situation.

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