Apples

Apples are often one of the first foods a baby is introduced to. Babies have a preference for sweet tasting foods that they are born with, so the natural sweetness of stewed and pureed apples should always be a winner. Apples are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals (naturally occurring plant chemicals) which helps protect the body against damage and disease. Not only have apples been directly linked with reducing the risk of many lifestyle and chronic diseases (e.g. cancer, type 2 diabetes) but they can also help us to breathe easy by keeping the lungs healthy.  If you or your children are one of the 2 million Australian’s who has asthma, did you know that eating whole apples can help protect against asthma and also reduce the severity of asthma?

Australia has many different varieties of apples so your family can be almost always guaranteed a delicious crisp apple all year round. Perfect for your health and your tastebuds.

Recipe ideas/Eating tips:

• For babies, peel, core and slice an apple and steam until soft then puree, or stew in saucepan with a small amount of water until soft and pulpy.
• Offer the apple puree on its own or mix it with rice cereal, other fruits and vegetables, yoghurt, or meats. The combinations are endless.
• Try making a delicious apple fruit crumble.
• Home made dried apple chips are bursting with flavour and a great lunchbox snack.

Storage tips:

• To keep apples fresh and help maintain their nutritional value, keep them in the vegetable crisper in the fridge until ready to eat.
• Brushing the surface of cut apple pieces with citrus juice will help prevent browning.
• Antioxidants dissolve and are lost into the cooking water, so while fresh is best, if you need to cook apples it is best to leave the skin on and use as little water as possible.
• Below is a general guide when the food is stored in appropriate freezer containers (reduce freezer burn).