Apple Recipes- Apples could very well be one of the most widely consumed fruits across the world. You and I might take this humble fruit for granted, but believe it or not it works magic when cooked and added into preparations and has a range of health benefiting properties. When I was young, my mom would always keep an apple in my lunch box. Indeed, it is a great way to beat the mid-day hunger pangs and snack on the goodness of apples instead.
I always like to use raw apples in my salads. I even like finely shredding them and mixing it in curd along with some honey, nuts and a few other fruits. Other favourite ways to add apples in my diet is to juice them or simply add a few pieces in my shakes and smoothies. Taking it up a notch, a sea of delicacies can be created with this fruit. What excite my palate are those heavenly crumbles, pies and tarts baked using delicate apple pieces. Apple juice and cider vinegar are also popularly used in many cuisines and preparations across the globe. While apple juice is a nice way to balance a dish, incorporating a dash of sweetness, cider vinegar can just bring alive and enhance the varied flavours in salads and soups.
It doesn't really matter if one likes apples or peaches. Cooking is an art which makes delicacies favourite with people thereby making the associated ingredients favourable. You might not like it raw, but we bet, after giving our best recipes a try, you will certainly fall in love with this juicy fruit. But before we tell you how to make the most of this abundantly available fruit, here are a few interesting facts and some essential buying & storing tips.
Facts About Apples
- Apples are fat-free and rich in dietary fiber
- They are approximately 25% air, the reason why they float in water!
- 100 grams of apples equal 60 calories
- 1 cup of chopped apples will give you 4 grams of fiber - 15% of your daily requirement
- Apples are part of the rose family. Similar to cherries, pears, plums and peaches.
- Apples are extremely rich in Choline - a Vitamin like nutrient that aids in the synthesis of neurotransmitters in our bodies.
- 1 cup of apples can meet 70% of our daily requirement of choline
How to Buy and Store Apples | Tips and Tricks
Look out for blemishes, discolouration or any kind of insect or worm infestation. Hold the fruit in your hand and check for firmness. If any portion feels considerably softer or sinks in, it indicates staleness. Apples are best stored in cooler temperature, i.e. a refrigerator. Make sure you are not storing them along with onions or potatoes as these vegetables will induce over-ripening of apples and make them go bad easily.
Now that we are all sorted, make way for our best apple recipes please!
1. Apple Crumble
Who doesn't love crumble? Juicy apple slices are coated in castor sugar, almond meal and vanilla essence and baked to perfection with a hearty crumble mix atop
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2. Apple Strudel
Heartwarming pastries stuffed with apples and honey. Create a warm apple strudel at home and serve with a dollop of ice-cream.
3. Apple Pie with Raisin Relish
Master the art of nailing the classic, all-favourite pie. This has a double crust pie with cinnamon flavoured apple filling, finished with a raisin relish. A delectable breakfast meal to relish with family and friends.
4. Danish Apple Pudding
Buttery breadcrumbs are teamed with apples, cream and jaggery to arrive at this Danish delight. A pudding that you wouldn't be able to resist!
5. Apple Tart
A crisp tart with cinnamon flavored sugary apples and apricot jam. A mouthful of this apple tart and you will be asking for more.
6. Apple Fritters
The perfect dessert to satisfy your sugar cravings. Crisp, deep-fried apple slices wrapped in batter, sprinkled with sugar and served hot.
7. Apple Jam
Who doesn't love a freshly made jam on the dining table? A fruity delight that smoothly spreads on the toasted bread. An easy-to-make, preservative-free jam that spreads smooth on your toast and happiness on your face!
8. Apple Cake
The goodness of apples wrapped in the aroma of cinnamon and smooth, velvety ice-cream by the side. Apple cake is a soft and delicate dessert that perfectly serves the refreshing apples topped with ice cream.
9. Apple Muffins
A great breakfast option, your on-the-go snack or simply the in-between-meals grab - these soft and melt-in-your-mouth muffins are a must try.
10. Apple Jalebi With Gulab Ice-Cream
Apples are batter-fried to perfection and teamed with a decadent rose ice-cream. This one isn't to be missed, take a plunge!
11. Apple Enchiladas
A crepe pleasantly disguised as enchilada, this recipe of Apple Enchilada is a delicious dish of apple custard rolled into thin sweet crepes.