"An apple a day keeps the doctor away!" There's a reason why apples are recommended to eat daily in the famous saying. Not only do they come in thousands of different varieties, they are a sweet healthy snack which is low in calories. They are also packed full of good nutrients which provide health benefits.
• Apples contain more antioxidants than any other fruit. Antioxidants are important in combating free radicals, destructive components produced through blood production, which can lead to cancer.
• Apples also hold the most pectin than any other fruit. Pectin is important as it reduces high blood pressure, fights cholesterol and can act as a laxative.
• Being the product of a plant, apples contain phytochemicals which reduce risks of heart disease, strokes, cataracts and osteoroposis.
• Apples also have hundreds of flavanoids which have defensive purposes such as anti-allergy, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory.
How to choose a good apple?
Look for an apple high in colour as this means they contain lots of pectin. The apple should have smooth, shiny, clean skin.
Apple recipe: Apple compote by Michael Caines (taken from bbc.co.uk.food)
Ingredients
100g/3½oz unsalted butter
750g/1lb 10oz Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
100g/3½oz caster sugar
1 vanilla pod split
Method
1. Place the butter in a stainless steel saucepan and start to melt.
2. Add the apples, sugar and vanilla pod.
3. Cook out the apple to a compote, stirring from time to time for approximately 30 minutes on a moderate heat.
4. If the texture is too runny then leave to reduce until you have a thick texture.
5. Remove the vanilla pod, and reserve for use later.
6. Place the apple compote into a blender, blend to a fine pulp and pass through a fine sieve. Serve.
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