Apples are both a delicious and nutritious fruit, with several health benefits. They are indeed one of the most versatile fruits. You can eat apples in several different ways. Its super crunchy texture and delicately sweet flavor find a position for it in a highly remarkable number of dishes, appetizers, and snack arrangements.
Below are several ways to eat raw and fresh apples:
Raw and Fresh
There are various ways to eat apples, however, raw consumption of apples is probably the simplest and healthiest way one can take them.
They carry all kinds of vitamins and minerals as well as have a rich content of dietary fiber. So, here are the snack combinations.
Snack Combinations
- Nut Butter: Cut an apple and drown it in almond or peanut butter for a filling snack. The combination of the added protein and healthy fat content makes it more satisfying. Add chia seeds in your nut butter for textural and nutrient content.
- Cheese: Pair apple slices with a sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The sweetness of the apple balances the saltiness of the cheese and is a perfect contrast. A simple platter with assorted cheeses and apple slices makes for an excellent appetizer for parties.
Check out the side effects of apples.
Salads
Adding apples to salads adds sweetness and crunch, elevating your salad game while boosting nutrition.
Apple and Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 apple, such as Gala or Fuji, sliced
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Combine spinach, sliced apple, walnuts, and feta in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
- Serve immediately for a refreshing salad that’s perfect as a side or main dish.
Tips for Variations
This salad can be customized according to your choice by using dried cranberries, sliced almonds, or even grilled chicken.
The flavors and textures may be varied according to your preference, hence providing salads as a fascinating way to have apples.
Know more about types of apples.
Smoothies
Apples may be added to smoothies, which is an excellent method to break your fast or recharge for your afternoon. They bring in the natural sweetness of the fruits and fiber.
Apple Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 1 banana
- 1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 cup almond milk
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth. You can add ice if you want a colder smoothie.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy the creamy texture with a fruity flavor.
Other Flavor Combinations
You can include spinach or kale to get it green or add some protein powder or flaxseed. The different fruits may have fantastic flavor combinations if the mixtures are experimented with.
You can also make apple juice instead of a smoothie.
Baked Goods
You can add apples to some different baked recipes to bring along moisture and flavor. Then, they can be baked in sweet or savory.
Classic Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 4 cups of sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ cup of melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread sliced apples at the bottom of a baking dish
- Mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Pour in butter and mix until crumbly
- Spread the crust over the apples
- Serve warm after baking for about 30-35 minutes to tender apple and golden brown crust.
- Serve warm while topped with ice cream in case.
Adding More Flavour
Add a little splash of vanilla extract or some nuts into the topping for enhanced flavors. You may add more spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a fuller flavor.
Check how you can use apple peel.
Applesauce
Preparing your applesauce is also a good use for an apple that has ripened a bit too far, especially if it’s no longer edible for snacking. It’s quite straightforward to prepare and may be served as a condiment or on its own.
Simple Homemade Applesauce
Ingredients
- 6 peeled, cored, and chopped apples
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar. I’ll leave it to your discretion.
- 1 tsp cinnamon. Optional only because sometimes I want it that extra bit.
Steps
- Put them all into the pot with water, sugar and cinnamon
- Steaming, on medium flame. Until they are softened properly, that will be about 20 minutes.
- Then all mashy or mix this according to what you best would
- Refrigerate or freeze beforehand as required
They’ll store just fine in there for a week and remain in pretty good condition while allowing it to be very healthy adding it to your oatmeal, pancakes, or yogurt.
Check out whether you should consume apple seeds or not.
Grilled Apples
Among various ways to eat apples, grilled apples are a rather natural dessert or side dish as the grilling is what brings out their natural sweetness and creates some interesting flavor.
Grilled Apples with Cinnamon
Ingredients
- 2 apples, cored and cut into thick rings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Brush slices of apple in olive oil and sprinkle over cinnamon.
- Grill the apples 3-4 minutes per side until tender and marked.
- Glaze with honey to be served warm as a dessert or side.
Creative Ways to Serve
The grilled apples are perfect with vanilla ice cream or yogurt. You can use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles, creating a breakfast meal full of that caramelized flavor added by the grill.
Conclusion
Apples are delicious, versatile, and hence easy to consume. Eat your apples in various ways. Enjoy your apples raw, in salads, smoothies, or baked as desserts.
No dearth of ways in which you can enjoy this healthy fruit. Explore these ideas and find your favorite way of eating apples and reaping their health benefits!