Winter fruits are my absolute favs! For the next few months we are going to indulge in the pleasures of several varieties of apples being at their best and most vibrant state! Why? Because they are in season! Produce is so much more vibrant and delicious when enjoyed in the right time of year. I notice for myself, I snub apples thru the rest of the year yet once fall and winter are here I am sniffin’ them out like an apple monster, fondling each variety and scouting for the perfect one to crunch into.
A few common varieties that are at their peak in November are Lady, Pippin, Liberty, and McIntosh. When picking apples you want to go for organic first of all for obvious reasons. Locally grown apples are a treat if you have that opportunity and you need choose those varieties that are in season for the best flavor and texture. At a glance, look for a nice, solid and colorful apple. Imperfections or lack of shine is no biggie they are only “grocery store cosmetic conditioning”. Those apples are usually the treasures over the waxy or “oddly perfect looking ones”. The perfect apple should not have any soft spots when gently squeezing it. Most health food stores will offer the perfect apple during the winter months so don’t be shy to ask the produce clerk which variety they think is best. Typically they love giving samples to customers who ask.
Like all food grown out of the ground, apples have great health benefits! This fist-sized snack that needs little or no preparation is packed with health-boosting properties :
Help protect bone health
Help prevent asthma, heart disease, and cancers such as lung, breast, colon, and liver
New research also suggests that the phyto nutrient called quercetin may help to prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism
Pectin in apples can help to lower LDL cholesterol
Good for diabetes and weight management
Good source of vitamin C
Good source of soluble and insoluble fiber
Excellent source of flavanoids and antioxidantsRead more: http://food-facts.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_nutritional_value_of_apples#ixzz0WPwR4IUJ
If you are like me and prefer not to dehydrate your snacks because of time or personal preference or the fact that you do not have a dehydrator, this recipe is for you! This granola is so simple to make and is very satisfying for a power packed breakfast and time of the day! Enjoy!
Quick Winter Apple Granola Serves 6
6 apples cored and roughly chopped
1 loose cup of dates pitted
1 c sprouted almonds
Pulse above ingredients in a food processor until well combined and mixture resembles granola in texture. Do not puree.
Place ingredients in large bowl, then fold in
1 c large style coconut flakes
½ c goji berries
1 tsp Pumpkin pie seasoning
2-3 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of pink salt
1 tsp vanilla powder
3 TB cacao nibs (optional) crunch
3 TB dry mulberries (optional)
Store granola in sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serve with fresh almond or cashew milk or sprinkle over yogurt or your fav smoothie for an added meal boost.
For more delicious recipes get Melissa’s amazing E-book here!
A few common varieties that are at their peak in November are Lady, Pippin, Liberty, and McIntosh. When picking apples you want to go for organic first of all for obvious reasons. Locally grown apples are a treat if you have that opportunity and you need choose those varieties that are in season for the best flavor and texture. At a glance, look for a nice, solid and colorful apple. Imperfections or lack of shine is no biggie they are only “grocery store cosmetic conditioning”. Those apples are usually the treasures over the waxy or “oddly perfect looking ones”. The perfect apple should not have any soft spots when gently squeezing it. Most health food stores will offer the perfect apple during the winter months so don’t be shy to ask the produce clerk which variety they think is best. Typically they love giving samples to customers who ask.
Like all food grown out of the ground, apples have great health benefits! This fist-sized snack that needs little or no preparation is packed with health-boosting properties :
Help protect bone health
Help prevent asthma, heart disease, and cancers such as lung, breast, colon, and liver
New research also suggests that the phyto nutrient called quercetin may help to prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism
Pectin in apples can help to lower LDL cholesterol
Good for diabetes and weight management
Good source of vitamin C
Good source of soluble and insoluble fiber
Excellent source of flavanoids and antioxidantsRead more: http://food-facts.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_nutritional_value_of_apples#ixzz0WPwR4IUJ
If you are like me and prefer not to dehydrate your snacks because of time or personal preference or the fact that you do not have a dehydrator, this recipe is for you! This granola is so simple to make and is very satisfying for a power packed breakfast and time of the day! Enjoy!
Quick Winter Apple Granola Serves 6
6 apples cored and roughly chopped
1 loose cup of dates pitted
1 c sprouted almonds
Pulse above ingredients in a food processor until well combined and mixture resembles granola in texture. Do not puree.
Place ingredients in large bowl, then fold in
1 c large style coconut flakes
½ c goji berries
1 tsp Pumpkin pie seasoning
2-3 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of pink salt
1 tsp vanilla powder
3 TB cacao nibs (optional) crunch
3 TB dry mulberries (optional)
Store granola in sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serve with fresh almond or cashew milk or sprinkle over yogurt or your fav smoothie for an added meal boost.
For more delicious recipes get Melissa’s amazing E-book here!
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