Celebrate National Apple Month!

Did you know that October is National Apple Month? In honor of this healthy fruit, we wanted to share with you some unique apple facts and healthy apple recipes.
 

Apple Facts:

• The crabapple is the only apple native to North America
• 2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States
• 7,500 varieties of apples are grown worldwide
• Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit
• Apples can range in size from as small as a cherry to as large as a grapefruit
• Apples are grown in all 50 states
• Apples are low in sodium, fat, and are cholesterol-free
• A medium apple is about 80 calories
• In colonial times, apples were called winter banana, or melt-in-the-mouth

*Facts provided by University of Illinois Extension
 

Apple Uses & Tips:

• Fresh apples are great for a snack or dessert
• You can dip apples slices in 1 Tbsp. of peanut butter or serve with some cheese slices for a quick and healthy snack
• Apples are a great addition to pork or poultry during cooking or added into stuffing, sauces, or muffins
• To prevent apple slices from browning, dip them into a mix of 1 part lemon juice and 3 parts water

Apple Recipes:

Crockpot Honey Pork and Apples
Serves: 6
Ingredients

• 1 (3-4 lb) pork tenderloin
• 2 large granny smith apples, sliced
• ½ cup honey
• 2 TB cinnamon

Directions

1. Slice slits in tenderloin and place 1-2 apple slices in each slit. 
2. Place ¾ of the remaining apple slices in the bottom of the Crockpot. 
3. Drizzle ½ of the honey over the apple slices and then place pork on top. 
4. Sprinkle cinnamon over everything. 
5. Place the remaining apple slices on top and drizzle the remaining honey over them. Place lid on and cook on low for 8 hours. 

Nutrition per Serving: 200 calories, Total fat 4g, Protein 30g, Carbohydrates 10g

*Recipe provided by Stock Piling Moms

Apple Raisin Tossed Salad
Serves: 8
Ingredients

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped (about 10 cups)
• 2 medium apples, sliced
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• ½ cup sliced red onion
• ¾ cup light or reduced-fat red wine vinaigrette

Directions

1. Toss lettuce, apples, raisins/cranberries, and onions in large bowl. If using walnuts, add those in as well.
2. Add dressing; mix well. Serve right away or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition per Serving: calories 150, Total fat 8g, Protein 2g, carbohydrates 20g, sodium 290 mg

*Provided by USDA

Do you have a favorite variety of apple or recipe? Share them with us on our Facebook page this month to celebrate National Apple Month!