apples!

We all know that tired old expression, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Its origin is apparently Welsh. The earliest known example of its use in print is in the February 1866 edition of Notes and Queries magazine which reads, "A Pembrokeshire proverb: Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread." Variations have been bouncing around ever sense.
On average, Americans consume around 20 pounds of apples a year, which comes to around 1 apple a week, far from the recommendation of the adage. If one abided the suggestion they could enjoy a different variety every day for twenty years. Some of the more popular among the over 7500 cultivars include Braeburn, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Idared, Jonagold, Jonathan, McIntosh, Red Delicious and Rome.
The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the rose family (Rosaceae). They have a good claim to promote health. They contain Vitamin C, which aids the immune system, and phenols, which reduce cholesterol. They also reduce tooth decay by cleaning one's teeth and killing off bacteria. It has also been suggested by Cornell University researchers that the quercetin found in apples protects brain cells against neuro-degenerative disorders like Alzheimer's Disease.
Applesauce is a great low-fat substitute for vegetable oil in baking recipes.
2 or 3 apples, cored, peeled and chopped
1 T honey or agave syrup (optional)
t cinnamon (optional)
t salt
Bring apples to a boil for about ten minutes or until ‘mashable’. Strain and with a potato masher and mash to desired consistency. Stir in sweetener, cinnamon, salt and chill.