The Emporia Gazette

February 13, 2012

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October wouldn’t be the same without a trip to The Orchard north of town to pick apples, and a trip to ROGA Pumpkin Patch south of town in search of the perfect pumpkin. Someone always leaves wishing they had gotten a bigger pumpkin.

We haven’t made our annual visit to either place yet this fall, but it is still early. What a great way to spend an afternoon as a family in the great outdoors. Enjoying the cooler temperatures, sunshine and wide open spaces that the country has to offer.

Apples are a versatile and appealing fruit of widespread popularity. Many enjoy growing their own apples, while others prefer to purchase quality apples grown by professional fruit growers.

Evidence shows truth in the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Although no one food can ensure perfect health, new evidence from medical studies suggests that apples — and the good things in them — really can help you and your family stay healthy. Apples are a healthy, no-fat cholesterol-free dessert, as well as an excellent source of fiber.

An average size apple has five grams of fiber, which supplies 20 percent of the daily fiber recommendation. Apples also are a natural source of Vitamins A, B1, B2, C Niacin, and minerals, calcium, phosphorous iron, iodine, and potassium. It is a good idea to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Eating the skin also increases insoluble fiber content.

Most of an apple’s fragrance cells are also concentrated in the skin and as they ripen, the skin cells develop more aroma and flavor. Recent studies suggest that naturally occurring compounds called flavonoids, may reduce the risk of heart disease and inhibit the development of certain cancers. Dietary fiber and pectin, a fiber component, are found in apples. Perfect as a snack or main meal component, apples are filling but not fattening because of their high fiber and water content.

I called Bob Karr, the owner of The Orchard north of Emporia on Kanas Highway 99, to see what kind of apples he had on the trees and shelves. Karr explained that the apple season could be broken down into three sections — early, mid and late-season apples. We are currently in the mid-season.

The mid-season apples The Orchard has available include red and golden delicious, Jonathon, Jonalicious, Jonagold, Ozark Gold,. All are in good supply. Grimes Golden is an heirloom variety usually considered the Johnny Appleseed apple, and Mutsu are in limited supply. The late fall apples that will be ready in a few weeks include Arkansas Black, Granny smith and Winesap. The late season apples are also your best keepers.

So, which apple should be used where?

I would suggest Honeycrisp, Gala, and Jonagold for snacking and eating. Honeycrisp apples have a cream-colored flesh and the taste is wonderful and they have a great crunch factor. Gala is heart-shaped with distinctive yellow orange skin with red striping. Gala is just the right size for snacking and is great in salads, good for baking and very good in applesauce. Jonagold is a blend of Jonathan and golden delicious apples, offering a unique tangy-sweet flavor with firm flesh. Jonagold is excellent for both eating fresh and for cooking.

For applesauce, Ozark gold, Mutsu and Grimes Golden are good choices. Mutsu, also called Crispin, is sweet, firm and crisp. Grimes Golden is slightly oblong in form, small to medium in size. The skin is greenish-yellow, ripening to a clear yellow. It is a good all-purpose dessert and cooking apple.

For pies and cobblers, Jonathan, Jonalicious or Jonagold are all good choices. I would suggest using a variety of different apples in your pies and applesauce to build in different layers of flavor. The different layers of flavor will make your pies and applesauce even better.

Thanks for sharing a moment with me today. If you have questions please call or visit.

F Rhonda Gordon is the family and consumer science extension agent for Lyon County. The extension office is located at 2632 W. Highway 50 here in Emporia. The phone number is 341-3220. K-State Research and Extension offers Knowledge for Life.