APPLE
THE ORIGINS OF APPLE
The apple tree would be native from South-West Asia. But it was already growing wild in
Europe in prehistoric times. In the 6th century BC, the Romans knew 37 varieties of apples. The Romans propagated the apple in England and throughout Europe. Around 1620, settlers introduced apples to North America. Today, we know about 7,500 varieties of apples.
THE VARIETIES OF APPLES
Among the apple varieties, we can define:
Golden Delicious: from Virginia in 1880, these apples have a fine and sweet flesh.
Then we can combine the two-tone red and yellow apples, like :
Gala: they are round, smooth, red-orange (more or less striated) and shiny. With firm, crisp, crunchy and juicy flesh. They are very popular.
Jonagold: Born in 1943 in New York, this apple is a cross between “Janathan” and “Golden Delicious”. Juicy and melting flesh under an orange-red skin.
Granny Smith is recognizable by its green colour, crunchy flesh and tangy taste.
Elstar: a little flattened, its ivory flesh is characteristic because it is crisp and juicy, it reveals an acidity tinged with bitterness and particular aromas.
Braeburn: 1952, in New Zealand this apple appeared with brick red streaks. Its flesh is very crunchy and acidic.
Fuji: This Japanese apple dates from 1939, it is fine, tender and very sweet. Its flesh is light ivory, sometimes golden and covered with almond green.
Red apples include Reinettes (Reine des reinettes, Reinettes blanches et grises from Canada, Reinette Clochard, etc.)
HOW TO CHOOSE APPLE
The apples must be firm to the touch and not show any stains. It should not have spots or browning on the skin.
Buy :
- To crunch: a firm, juicy, tasty and crunchy apple.
- For pies: a slightly juicy and slightly acidic apple.
- To bake: a sweet apple that deforms little.
- For jellies: an apple just ripe, sour, juicy and rich in pectin.
- For the compote: an apple that keeps its colour.
HOW TO STORE AND COOK APPLE
The apple stores well, 2 to 3 days at room temperature. To keep it longer, you can place it in the refrigerator.
APPLE’S HEALTH PROPERTIES
The ideal food for the cardiovascular system, the apple !
An apple, three times a day, has a beneficial effect on lowering LDL cholesterol levels (harmful) while HDL cholesterol (protective) is not affected. Blood sugar levels also decrease with apple consumption. In the long term, it is the cardiovascular system that benefits.
In addition, apples stimulate the elimination of water by the kidneys.
