1. The best apples are brightly colored, firm and free of bruises or damaged skin.
2. If the flesh gives under pressure, the apple will be soft.
3. Taste and personal preferences will determine the best apple for eating. Do you like soft
apples like the MacIntosh? Do you like sweet apples like the Golden Delicious or tart apples like
the Empire? For a description of our varieties of apples see Products or come visit us.
4. The end use of the apple will determine the grade of apple you should choose. Lower
grade apples will satisfy your cooking needs.
General: Some apples simply keep longer than others such as the IdaRed. For best results,
place apples in a perforated plastic bag, sprinkle with water and store in the coldest area of the
refrigerator. Apples may also be stored in cooler areas such as garages or basements, or at
room temperature, but should be checked regularly because they will ripen faster than if stored
in a refrigerator. Keep apples away from other fruits and vegetables because they give off
ethylene which speeds up ripening.
Canning: Wash, pare, core and cut apples into desired size. Boil 3 to 5 minutes in a thin syrup
consisting of 1 cup sugar and 3 cups water boiled together until sugar is dissolved. Pack into
jars to within 1/2 inch of top. Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of jar with boiling syrup. Put on cap,
screw band firmly tight. Process in boiling water bath for 20 minutes for pint jars or 25
minutes for quart jars.
Freezing: Peel, core and slice apples. Put in solution to prevent darkening (see below). Drain
and blanch 2 minutes in boiling water or slice directly into chilled syrup consisting of 1 cup
sugar and 3 cups water boiled together until sugar is dissolved.
Preventing Discoloration: Tablet or crystalline form of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) may be used to
prevent discoloration. Put 5 tablets of 50 milligrams in bottom of each quart jar before packing
fruit; or add 1/2 teaspoon of crystalline Ascorbic Acid to each quart of the syrup before pouring
over fruit in jars, or use commercial Ascorbic and Citric acid mixture following manufacturer's
directions.
Apples can be canned, frozen, eaten plain or with dips such as yogurt, caramel, peanut butter,
etc., eaten dried, made into sauce, jelly or cider, or they can be used in a variety of salads,
meat dishes, pies and other desserts.
Apple cider which has been freshly pressed and purchased cold will maintain quality in the
refrigerator at 35-40 degrees F from 7 to 10 days. Apple cider may also be frozen by removing
approximately an inch to allow for expansion. The main difference between apple cider and
juice is that apple cider is not processed so it must remain refrigerated.
Apple cider can be drank cold, warmed with spices added, made into vinegar, hard cider or
apple cider brandy, or used for home remedies. For some benefits and home remedies of apple
cider see Benefits. Below are links to several Apple Cider Recipes:
Benefits of Apples & Apple Cider:
~"The custom of serving fresh fruit, particularly apples, at the end of a meal arose because of
digestive qualities attributed to them by such early medical notables as Hippocrates and Galen,
the latter a second-century Roman physician."
~"The medieval physician's bible, the Salerno medical school's Prescription for Health, taught
therapeutic applications of cooking apples for disturbances of the bowels, lungs and nervous
system, to mention just a few."
~"Apple juice was one of the earliest prescribed antidepressants."
~"Apples' curative powers were documented by self-proclaimed master surgeon John Gerarde
in 1597. Apples were used as treatments for ailments from "a hot stomacke" and inflammation
of all types, and as a beauty therapy."
http://www.usapple.org/consumers/applebits
http://www.appleproducts.org/nutrin.html
~"...Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that appears to target "bad" cholesterol (LDL)
according to recent tests. Eating two apples per day has dropped cholesterol levels in test
subject humans by up to 16 percent. Apples are also good for diabetics as the soluble fiber
assists in regulating blood sugar, preventing a sudden increase or drop on serum sugar levels.
Apples are full of vitamins and minerals. There is no significant variation in the numbers
between the different varieties. Most health benefits derive from eating the skin along with the
flesh... One medium-sized, raw, cored, unpeeled apple has only 80 calories."
http://homecooking.about.com/libraryweekly/aa100598a.htm
~"(Apples') high vitamin and mineral content boosts the immune system. It also enriches body
skin and hair. The mineral called Pectin, is found in large amounts in an apple. It is the same
element that is found in anti-diarrheal drugs. The peel of the apple is extremely rich in vitamin
A, whereas the actual fruit contains vitamin C, B-1, B-2, B-6, folic and pantothenic acid. You
will also find minerals such as potassium and small amounts of copper, magnesium and
phosporus. You can bid good-bye to your coughs, colds and flue, by having an apple a day."
IndiaParenting.com - Home Remedies - Fruit Power
~"Health researchers have determined that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables
leads to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Nutritionists at the National Cancer Institute
and other health professionals recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables
a day. Cider. . . is a convenient and refreshing way to help you eat five a day."
http://ohioline.osu.edu/fs-info/fs_2.html
~"Although a glass of cider a day cannot guarantee good health, the sweet juice is a good
source of potassium and iron. Apple cider is pure and natural with no sugar added. A 6 ounce
glass has only 87 calories. Apple cider ... contains no cholesterol. Pectin, contained in apple
cider, has been shown to keep serum cholesterol levels down."
http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgorwn/cider_juice_difference.htm
Fun with Apples: Games Crafts Poems & Songs
bobbing for apples is a fun, favorite stand-by. Fill a large bucket or tub with water and
add apples. Who catch an apple with their teeth?
Pass the apple is played like hot potato. Children sit in a circle and pass an apple around
the circle when music is playing. When the music stopple the child holding the apple sits in the
middle, the "apple pie pot" until the music stops again and the next child replaces the first. You
may also chant "hot apple, hot apple, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10" and the child who has the
apple on 10 is in the "apple pie pot". A variation for older children is to have one child hold an
apple under his/her chin and try to pass the apple to a friend. You could do this in a circle or
you can do a relay race where the children have to run with the apple under their chin.
Apple Sense. Cut apples into slices and arrange each variety on a separate plate. Place a
marker under the plate stating which variety of apple is on that plate. Make a chart of each
variety and their description. Have the children sample an apple slice from each plate and
describe it. See if they can match each apple to its name.
Apple Lessons. Apples can be used to teach a variety of things from color, counting,
alphabetizing, relationship and size. Have children count how many apples you have, count out
a number of apples you need, guess how many apples will fit in a basket, arrange apples by
color or size or alphabetize by variety name. Compare how each apple, like people, are alike
and different and how they bruise easily if you are not nice to them. Find words that start with
"A" like apple. Find words that rhyme with apple (dapple).
Stamping with apples can create stars and apples. To stamp with stars cut the apple
horizontally. To stamp an apple shape, cut the apple in half vertically. Dip the apple in a
shallow tin of tempera paint and press the painted apple onto any surface you are allowed to
such as paper, baskets, windows etc. (ask an adult where you can stamp).
Wormy Apples hide a sneaky surprise. Have an adult use an apple corer to half core the
apple from the top. Pull out the core, cut away about 1/2 inch at the top to form a puzzle piece
and discard the rest of the core (you may want to save the seeds for the apple shaker craft).
Now you have a hiding place for the gummy worm in the center of the apple. Optional: Carve
the apple intricately making interlocking puzzle pieces. Reassemble them, leaving the core
piece for last. Stick a gummy worm in the middle of the apple, then top with the last puzzle
piece. Wonderful for snack surprises or have children race to take apart their apple puzzle, eat
the worm, and put the apple back together.
Paper Plate Shaker. Take two sturdy paper plates (the stronger the better). Place some
apple seeds on one of the plates and place the other plate on top of the first so that both eating
surface areas are facing each other. Use masking tape to seal the plates together. Have your
child decorate with markers, glitter, construction paper or ribbons. When dry, shake!
Two little apples smiled at me. (close thumb & forefinger of each hand to make an
apple) I shook that tree as hard as I could (grab pretend tree and shake) Down fell the
apples --- (raise hands and let fall) MMMMMMMMMM, they were good!
Apple on a stick, apple on a stick
I can lick it all day and not get sick.
Apple in a cup, apple in a cup
I can drink it all day and not fill up.
Apple in a crunch, apple in a crunch
I can eat it all day, it is so good to munch.
Apple in a cake, apple in a cake
I can eat it all day with no tummy ache.
Apple in a pie, apple in a pie
I can eat it all day and never cry.
Apple in a dish, apple in a dish
I can eat it all day, it is so delish!
Five little apples hung on a tree
The farmer didn't care
So guess who came to eat?
A CATERPILLAR.......MUNCH, MUNCH
Four little apples hung on a tree
The farmer didn't care
So guess who came to eat?
A BIRD.......MUNCH, MUNCH
Three little apples hung on a tree
The farmer didn't care
So guess who came to eat?
A PIG.......MUNCH, MUNCH
Two little apples hung on a tree
The farmer didn't care
So guess who came to eat?
A HORSE.......MUNCH, MUNCH
One little apples hung on a tree
The farmer didn't care
So guess who came to eat?
A SCARECROW.......MUNCH, MUNCH
Now the tree is bare
There are no more apples there
But when next fall comes around
Guess who'll be there?
THE CATERPILLAR
THE BIRD
THE PIG
THE HORSE
and the SCARECROW
YUM! YUM!
Teacher Resources:
http://www.usapple.org/consumers/kids/index.shtml
Recipes: Drinks Deserts Dishes Snacks
Spiced Apple Tea: Add 3 tea bags to 1 quart boiling water. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove tea bags. Stir in 1/4 cup sugar until dissolved. Add 2 cups apple cider and reheat.
Pour into mugs and add a stick of cinnamon to each.
Maple Cider Punch: Pour 1 cup orange juice in a small saucepan and stir in 3 tablespoons
maple syrup. Place over medium heat and bring almost to a boil. (or heat in a microwave-safe
bowl and microwave on high for 3 minutes). Remove from heat, stir once or twice, and let cool
to room temperature. Pour 4 cups apple cider, chilled into a pitcher and add the cooled orange
juice and 1 cup chilled ginger ale. Mix well and serve over ice.
Dumplings with Spicy Cider Sauce: To prepare the Dumplings preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Peel and core the apple, leaving it otherwise intact. In large mixing bowl mix 3-3/4 cups flour, 2
tablespoons sugar. Start working 3 sticks unsalted butter, cut into slices, into the dry mix. Add
1/4 cup ice water drop by drop only adding just enough to bring the dough together. Cover the
dough with plastic and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. While the dough is resting
put 3 cups apple cider, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup apple or other brandy and 2" pieces of ginger,
grated, into a small saucepan and boil until it reaches a syrupy consistency. Divide the dough
into six equal size balls then roll them out with a rolling pin. Cut and patch to dough so that it is
big enough to wrap around one apple. Wrap each apple completely in dough, taking care to
pinch the seams. Transfer the apple dumplings to an ungreased baking sheet and bake for
approximately 30 minutes, or until light brown. Serve warm in a bowl with the warm sauce
spooned over it.
Apple Honey Squares: Beat 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup honey and 3 eggs. Mix in 2 cups flour, 1
teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Then mix in 2/3 cup canola
oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups of sliced apples and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Bake in a
greased 9x13 inch pan for 40 minutes at 350 degreed F. Cut into squares when cool.
Apples Drop Cookies: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In mixing bowl combine 1/2 cup soft
shortening, 1-1/3 cups brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon
ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1 egg. Beat well. Sift together 2 cups pre-sifted flour,
1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix in 1 cup chopped nuts, 1 cup finely shopped apples, 1 cup
raisings and 1/4 cup apple cider. Drop batter by tablespoon onto greased cookie sheets. Bake
11 to 14 minutes until light brown. Spread while hot with white glaze frosting (optional). Makes
48 cookies.
Cinnamon Apple Chips: Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Core apples and slice off 1/2 inch
from top and bottom. Cut the apple into rings and lightly coat with cinnamon sugar. Arrange
slices on cake cooling racks being sure none overlap. Bake 30 to 40 minutes until apple slices
are lightly browned and almost dry to touch. Let chips cool on racks completely before storing
in an airtight container. These are great to add to trail mix.
Apple Snicker Salad: Mix 6 chopped apples, 6 chopped regular size Snicker candy bars and
fold in 12 ounces of cool whip.
Apple Lips: Coat one side each of two apple slices with peanut butter. Put miniature
marshmallows on peanut butter on one apple slice and place the other apple slice, peanut
butter side down onto the marshmallows.
Apple Syrup: Top anything with apple syrup. Peel and core 5 or 6 apples and cut into small
pieces and mix with 1 tablespoon sugar and one cup water. Heat in saucepan on low, stirring
often until the mixture becomes syrupy. Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes before
pouring over ice cream or other food that you like syrup on.
Apple Whipped Sweet Potatoes: Place 3 cups sliced peeled apples, 3 cups cubed, peeled
sweet potatoes (about 1-1/4 pounds) and 1-1/2 cup apple cider in a 3-quart saucepan. Cover
and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until tender. Drain. Preheat oven to 350
degrees F. Lightly grease a shallow 1-1/2 quart casserole dish. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2
teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1 tablespoon margarine or
butter and 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar. Mash with mixer or by hand until potatoes are
smooth. Spread the hot mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup chopped
pecans if desired. Bake about 15 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Apple Pizza: Roll pizza dough out on tray. Sprinkle cheese on dough. Cut apples (pre sliced
thin) on dough. Mix equal amounts of flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl (enough to cover
pizza). Sprinkle mixture on pizza. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Apple Sauce: Use your favorite apples or mix a variety to taste. For each quart of peeled and
sliced apples add 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
and a pinch of salt. Cook on stove until tender. Mash apples with a potato masher or electric
mixer. Add more sugar if needed. Serve cold.
Johnny Appleseed spent 49 years of his life in the American wilderness planting apple seeds.
Johnny Appleseed’s real name was John Chapman. He was born September 26, 1774 in
Massachusetts. He created apple orchards in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and
Ohio. After 200 years, some of those trees still bear apples.
Johnny Appleseed’s dream was for a land where blossoming apple trees were everywhere and
no one was hungry. A gentle and kind man, he slept outdoors and walked barefoot around the
country planting apple seeds everywhere he went. It is even told that he made his drinking
water from snow by melting it with his feet.
Johnny was a friend to everyone he met. Indians and settlers -- even the animals -- liked
Johnny Appleseed. His clothes were made from sacks and his hat was a tin pot. He also used
his hat for cooking. His favorite book was the Bible.
There are many tales about Johnny Appleseed. It is said that once Johnny fell asleep and a
rattlesnake tried to bite him, but the fangs would not go into his foot because his skin was as
tough as an elephant’s hide. Another tale describes him playing with a bear family.
Johnny Appleseed died in 1845. It was the only time he had been sick -- in over 70 years!!!
http://www.applejuice.org/johnnyappleseed.html
Teacher Resources:
http://www.usapple.org/consumers/kids/index.shtml
How does E-Coli get into apple cider?
Un-pasteurized apple cider has been associated with outbreaks of food illness caused by
pathogenic. The apples used to make the cider were believed to have become contaminated
with manure from dropped apples. Ritter's Cider Mill does not use dropped apples.
Contamination of the apple cider with E-Coli resulted from improper cleaning of the apples prior
to pressing the cider. Another method for contamination would be improper cleansing of the
press clothes. We meet federal and state regulations as well use as our own high standards.
Who is at risk for E-Coli?
Young children, pregnant ladies and the elderly are at risk to get E-Coli from un-pasteurized
cider.
http://www.wise.edu/foodsci/cider/expert_qa.html
http://usapple.org/educators/research/index.shtml
http://usapple.org/index-c.shtml