2008 Woodie Awards
Apples: The Fruit of Plenty
Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: Opinion
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Apples have received the reputation as something to incorporate into you diet on a daily basis in order to keep healthy and away from the doctor's office. Is this just a ploy by the apple growers to increase the consumption of apples or could the fruit contain vitamins and minerals that the body needs daily in order to maintain health? Because it is estimated that there are 75 or more apples produced per person in the United States per year, I do not think that the apple growers are concerned about not selling their products. It can therefore be suggested that people enjoy apples for their taste and nutritional quality.
It is believed that the apple tree, which is part of the rose family, originated in an area between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea and there has been evidence that apples have been eaten since 6500 BC. With such a long history of growing and consuming apples has come more than 2500 varieties grown in the United States and an estimated 7,500 varieties grown throughout the world.
In the United States, apples are grown in all states. There are even have apple trees on the ISU campus. Although there are over 2,500 types grown in the United States alone, only about 100 different kinds are produced commercially. The most popular type of apple grown in the United States is the 'Delicious' type.
As far as nutritional quality, the apple possesses many compounds that are beneficial to the body. The calorie and nutrient content of apples varies with differences in size and type, but in an average, medium, apple there are about 80 calories, 4 grams of fiber, 10 milligrams of calcium, 10 milligrams of phosphorus and 8 milligrams of vitamin C. Vitamin C, remind you, is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body against damage. The apple is also naturally fat free, cholesterol free and sodium free which makes it a great alternative to a typical dessert.
There are many different recipes that have been developed with the apple in mind. Apple pie is a basic and popular apple dish but some other, not as popular, apple dishes include: apple and chicken salad (recipe below), apple walnut cake, apple butter, baked apples, apple cider baked beans and apple pancakes. Sometimes when baking, applesauce can be used to replace fat and make the dish more nutritious.
With such a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors of the apple, there are many opportunities to find on that fits your preferences.
Apple Chicken Salad
1/2 cup fat-free yogurt
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup apple jelly, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
3 cups cooked chicken, diced
2 cups finely sliced celery
3 apples, unpeeled and diced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, orange juice, melted apple jelly and lemon juice. Add chicken.
Celery and apples. Toss gently to coat all pieces. Season with salt and chill until ready to serve. Sprinkle with pecans and serve on a bed of romaine lettuce. Yield 8 3/4 cup servings.
It is believed that the apple tree, which is part of the rose family, originated in an area between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea and there has been evidence that apples have been eaten since 6500 BC. With such a long history of growing and consuming apples has come more than 2500 varieties grown in the United States and an estimated 7,500 varieties grown throughout the world.
In the United States, apples are grown in all states. There are even have apple trees on the ISU campus. Although there are over 2,500 types grown in the United States alone, only about 100 different kinds are produced commercially. The most popular type of apple grown in the United States is the 'Delicious' type.
As far as nutritional quality, the apple possesses many compounds that are beneficial to the body. The calorie and nutrient content of apples varies with differences in size and type, but in an average, medium, apple there are about 80 calories, 4 grams of fiber, 10 milligrams of calcium, 10 milligrams of phosphorus and 8 milligrams of vitamin C. Vitamin C, remind you, is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body against damage. The apple is also naturally fat free, cholesterol free and sodium free which makes it a great alternative to a typical dessert.
There are many different recipes that have been developed with the apple in mind. Apple pie is a basic and popular apple dish but some other, not as popular, apple dishes include: apple and chicken salad (recipe below), apple walnut cake, apple butter, baked apples, apple cider baked beans and apple pancakes. Sometimes when baking, applesauce can be used to replace fat and make the dish more nutritious.
With such a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors of the apple, there are many opportunities to find on that fits your preferences.
Apple Chicken Salad
1/2 cup fat-free yogurt
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup apple jelly, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
3 cups cooked chicken, diced
2 cups finely sliced celery
3 apples, unpeeled and diced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, orange juice, melted apple jelly and lemon juice. Add chicken.
Celery and apples. Toss gently to coat all pieces. Season with salt and chill until ready to serve. Sprinkle with pecans and serve on a bed of romaine lettuce. Yield 8 3/4 cup servings.
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