<p>Apples are a healthy food choice. They are convenient, fast and nutritious. Naturally fat and cholesterol free, apples also are a source of fiber.</p><p>Currently, the average Alabamian eats only 1.6 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So maybe by eating a few more apples, it will help you toward the MyPlate guidance system's emphasis to “focus on fruits,” and make half your plate fruits and vegetables.</p><p>There are many local apple growers in Alabama, especially north Alabama. But wherever you purchase your apples, you need to wash them and store them properly.</p><p>Store apples in the refrigerator or in a cool place, ideally between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Stored properly, apples can be kept for up to a month.</p><p>The apple varieties Empire, Fuji, Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp and Red Delicious are excellent for snacking. Golden Delicious, Jonathan or McIntosh are good choices for cooking.</p><p>A good cooking apple has a good sweet-tart balance, and its flesh doesn't break down as it cooks. There may be local varieties that can be found at your local farmers' market or roadside stand.</p><p>Apples can be frozen, canned or dehydrated. Applesauce also is a family favorite.</p><p>For more information about freezing, canning or dehydrating apples, a good online resource is the National Center for Home Food Preservation, http://nchfp.uga.edu/search.html. It has information everything from making apple cider to making pear-apple jam.</p> <p class="italic font120">Donna Shanklin is a regional extension agent for human nutrition, diet and health. For more information on this or related topics, contact the Etowah County Extension Office, 3200-A W. Meighan Blvd., 256-547-7936.</p><h3>Pear-Apple Jam Recipe from NCHFP</h3> <p>(http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_07/pear_apple_jam.html)</p><p>Yield: About 7 to 8 half-pints</p><p>2 cups peeled, cored and finely chopped pears (about 2 lbs.)</p><p>1 cup peeled, cored and finely chopped apples</p><p>6 1/2 cups sugar</p><p>1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon</p><p>1/3 cup bottled lemon juice</p><p>6 oz. liquid pectin</p><p>(NOTE: Please read Using Boiling Water Canners at the NCHFP website before beginning. If this is your first time canning, it also is recommended that you read Principles of Home Canning.)</p><p>Crush apples and pears in a large saucepan and stir in cinnamon. Thoroughly mix sugar and lemon juice with fruits and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Immediately stir in pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil and boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, quickly skim off foam and fill sterile jars, leaving a quarter-inch headspace.</p> <p class="italic font120">Donna Shanklin is a regional extension agent for human nutrition, diet and health. For more information on this or related topics, contact the Etowah County Extension Office, 3200-A W. Meighan Blvd., 256-547-7936.</p><p>———</p><p>Visit the Alabama Farmers Market Authority website to find out more information about local farmers markets and farm/roadside stands. http://www.fma.alabama.gov/Default.aspx</p><p>Check out the CDC's State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables 2013 for more information about how different states are developing programs and policies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption: http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/</p><p>downloads/State-Indicator-Report-Fruits-Vegetables-2013.pdf.</p> <p class="italic font120">Donna Shanklin is a regional extension agent for human nutrition, diet and health. For more information on this or related topics, contact the Etowah County Extension Office, 3200-A W. Meighan Blvd., 256-547-7936.</p>
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