We’ve all heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but is there any truth to that statement?
With 4 grams of fiber, 14% of your daily vitamin C allowance and just 95 calories, a medium-sized apple is a healthy, sweet, filling snack. And, as a follower of the Weight Watchers PointsPlus™ program, you are no doubt taking advantage of the zero PointsPlus™ value of apples. But with so many varieties to choose from, how do you know which ones are best for baking, juicing, or eating right out of your hand?
Here is a quick guide to some of the most popular varieties out there:
Cortland: A good all-around apple. On the sweet side and ideal for juicing.
Pippin: This greenish-yellow apple holds its shape well and is great for apple pies.
Jonagold: Like the pippin, the jonagold is also ideal for pies. It is sweet with just a hint of a honey taste.
Golden Delicious: Crisp and sweet – best for salads and eating right out of your hand.
Red Delicious: Similar to golden delicious, but just a little sweeter.
Jonamac: This sweet and tart apple is ideal for homemade applesauce.
McIntosh: New York State’s most popular apple – this apple is sweet and juicy with a touch of tartness. The McIntosh is an ideal eating apple.
Granny Smith: Another great eating apple known for its deep green color.
Red Rome: This variety is very tart, and is considered to be the ultimate baking apple.
Gala: Very crisp and sweet, this is another great eating apple.
Empire: Another juicy apple that makes a great applesauce.
This time of the year, U-pick orchards all over Long Island are stocked with a great selection of apples. What better time to go out and grab a bushel?
Looking for some apple inspiration? This site is a great resource for apple recipes. Enjoy!
Want to learn more about the PointsPlus™ plan? With dozens of meeting centers across Nassau and Suffolk counties, there is sure to be a time and place that works with your schedule. Click here to find a meeting in your neighborhood.
