"One apple a day keeps the doctor away" translates literally to "mangez une pomme par jour pour rester loin de chez le médecin" in French. This Anglo-Saxon adage is justified by the advancement of scientific knowledge regarding the nutritional qualities of apples. Indeed, a recent study revealed that regular consumption of apples has benefits for human respiratory capacity and can play a preventive role in the occurrence of asthma attacks in at-risk individuals.
But beware, not all apples are the same. Conventional apples have become very poor in nutrients by the time they reach our baskets. This is due to early harvesting and, above all, very long-term storage, which destroys all the nutrients originally contained in this fruit. So, to truly benefit from the advantages of apples, choose apples from organic farming. They are naturally kept fresh without the addition of chemical preservatives, and above all, they have not been sprayed with pesticides during maturation.
Available on stalls all year round in France, the apple season extends from September to January. The rest of the time, the apples found on the market are either winter apples that are gradually destocked or apples from other latitudes (Chile, Argentina, South Africa, China, Canada, etc.). There are many varieties of apples, which ripen at different times. Some are best eaten raw, such as Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Elstar. Others are better suited for cooking, such as Boskoop, Canada, Reinette, etc.
Nutritional Information
With a low calorie content per 100g (54 kcal), the apple is a nutritious and healthy food. It provides soluble and insoluble fibers (about 2.5 g/100g). Soluble fibers help reduce cholesterol levels and rebalance, like all fiber-rich foods, the body's acid-base balance. Insoluble fibers improve sluggish intestinal transit and act as a natural appetite suppressant. The apple contains B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9), beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C as well as trace elements.
How to consume it?
Consumed as a snack before exercising, at the end of a meal, for a snack, or to satisfy hunger during the day, the apple is enjoyed guilt-free: a 150g apple provides about 80 kcal. It satisfies, hydrates, and replenishes the body with essential nutrients. Cut into cubes and drizzled with lemon juice to garnish appetizer skewers or sweet and savory appetizers, the apple is easily cooked. It can be baked or made into applesauce. It pairs particularly well with cinnamon, raisins, rhubarb, quince, and nutmeg. The apple can also be used like a vegetable, for example, paired with potatoes. It is used in the making of pies, pancakes, and cakes. Children enjoy it in juice form, and adults particularly appreciate cider (alcoholic maceration of apple juice). Apples are the fruit with the highest residues of pesticide products. So, whether cooked or raw, consume them peeled or, if possible, buy organic ones.