SWEET TREAT IN SEASON

By Paige Green, Hy-Vee Dietitian on Monday, October 10, 2022

Move over, Halloween candy. The sweetness of a Honeycrisp apple is here to take center stage this fall! Bite into this sweet, juicy, crisp and refreshing apple variety for not only its flavor but also for its nutritious punch.

The health benefits from eating apples are numerous. Did you know that one medium Honeycrisp apple has 5 grams of fiber and only 80 calories? Because of the amount and type of fiber, an apple will help a person feel full longer, helping them to consume fewer calories daily. The pectin in apples may also help lower cholesterol. Plus, the flesh and peel are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals that may protect against breast and lung cancer. These disease-fighting nutrients work best when the peel and flesh are eaten together!

Wondering how to find the perfect Honeycrisp? When shopping for a Honeycrisp apple, look for those with a vibrant red blush color against a rich, golden yellow background. Fruit should be large and uniform and without bruises or cuts. Once home, place apples by themselves in the refrigerator crisper in a plastic bag with ventilation holes. Honeycrisp will store for at least seven months refrigerated at 37°F, according to the University of Minnesota. Purchase these sweet treats in season (September – November) for best quality and longest storage potential.

These are just a few of your Hy-Vee dietitian’s favorite ways to enjoy a Honeycrisp apple:

RAW: Skin on or skin off, solid or cored, apples are tailor made for eating fresh out of hand. You can also slice them and dip in yogurt or nut butter as a snack.

PUREED: Peel, core and chop apples. Place in a large pan with an inch of water; cover. Cook for 15 minutes, then purée in a food processor. Serve plain or add your favorite fall spices such as cinnamon for a warm treat!

BAKED: Core apples, stuff desired filling in hole and place in baking dish with ¾ cup boiling water. Bake at 375°F for 30 to 45 minutes.

If your mouth isn’t watering yet – try this simple and tasty idea for how to easily incorporate Honeycrisp apples into your snack routine.

Honeycrisp Apple Chips (Serves 2)

All you need:

2 Honeycrisp apples

All you do:

1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

2. Slice Honeycrisp apples crosswise into ¼-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices on baking sheets in a single layer. Bake for 2½ hours.

3. To crisp, remove from oven and cool. Store up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Recipe source: www.hy-vee.com Honeycrisp Apple Chips - https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/honeycrisp-apple-chips

With the busy fall season, free up time in your week by prepping ahead in our Freezer Meal Prep virtual classes. Stock your freezer with wholesome meals in under an hour as you prepare 5 freezer meals to feed 4-6 people. Registration includes a link to Aisles Online with all the ingredients grouped together so you can easily shop for everything you need. Connect with a Hy-Vee dietitian for more ideas, suggestions and health tips!

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice