An apple a day....only one? Too many tasty options for just one!

Every year, my family looks forward to fresh apple season! Our state is known for tasty apples of many varieties and the options for enjoying them are almost endless. Savory, sweet, cooked, raw, in a pie, in a salad...need I go on?

From fancy to simple, there are so many dishes you could create from a simple apple. No wonder the old saying is, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” They are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Take a look at this list:

• Vitamin A - healthy skin, hair, bone growth, tooth development, reproduction
• Vitamin C - assists in the production of collagen, immunity boosting and enhances iron absorption
• Vitamin D - aides in the absorption of calcium
• Vitamin E - promotes clear and flexible blood vessels and can aide in lowering blood pressure
• Vitamin K - helps the liver produce blood clotting factors
• Thiamin - aides in the breakdown of sugars in the diet
• Riboflavin - immunity boosting
• Niacin - helps to raise “good” cholesterol
• Vitamin B6 - essential in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
• Folate - important in the production of new cells, important for pregnant women
• Vitamin B12 - processes carbohydrates, proteins and fats and to help make all of ou blood cells
• Pantothenic Acid - important in more than 100 metabolic reactions in the body
• Choline - important to brain development all through our lives
• Calcium - essential to strong bones and teeth
• Iron - red blood cells and muscle function, also white blood cells and immune system
• Magnesium - helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps your heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps your bones strong
• Phosphorus - strong teeth and bones
• Potassium - essential for your bodies growth and maintenance
• Sodium - important in the distribution of water in the body
• Zinc - immune system, the break down of fat, carbohydrates and protein
• Copper - healthy skin and hair, many other health benefits from healthy arteries to nerve health
• Manganese - helps convert protein and fat to energy
• Selenium - immune boosting, cancer fighting
• Fluoride - healthy teeth

So, do you want an apple now? My goodness!

From a snack of apples and cheese or apples and peanut butter, to a coleslaw with apples in it, the options are amazingly vast.

Apples have got to be one of the most versatile foods! So many tasty options out there. From bread to casseroles, you could eat more than your one apple a day and not get bored.

So get ready folks, because this years harvest of apples is about to hit your produce markets. Try a new variety, or buy an old favorite. Enjoy eating in season, and enjoy the season of apple eating!