The adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, is believed to have come from Greek mythology where apples were associated with the healing god Apollo. While it will certainly take more than an apple a day to keep you healthy, it is a step in the right direction.

Apples are delicious, easy to carry for snacking, low in calories, a natural mouth freshener, and they continue to be inexpensive. Although they are not bursting with vitamins and minerals like other fruits, they are:

• Fat free, cholesterol free and low in sodium. Compare those stats to a bag of potato chips!
• Low in calories. A medium apple is between 80-120 calories. Compare that to the 300 calorie cookie or candy bar.
• A great source of fiber. An average apple has five grams of fiber, that is 20% of the daily recommended fiber needs. That's more than most cereals!
• A good source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and Niacin; plus Phosphorous Magnesium, Iron and Potassium. Apples are their own health food store! Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin.
• Versatile. Applesauce is a fat free substitute when cooking and can be used in place of oil or shortening. In addition to being healthy, applesauce makes baked goods taste moist.
• An easy snack that suppresses hunger longer than junk food. Apples are a great choice when dieting and trying to stave off hunger.

There are hundreds of varieties of apples on the market today, although most people have only tasted one or two of the most popular such as Red Delicious or Granny Smith. Apples can be sweet, tart, soft and smooth or crisp and crunchy, depending on the variety you choose. There’s an apple to suit almost everyone's taste, so why not choose one. Have an apple today!

How to Select

• Choose firm, shiny, smooth-skinned apples with intact stems.
• Should smell fresh, not musty.

How to Store

• Refrigerate apples in a plastic bag away from strong-odored foods.
• Best when used within 3 weeks.

How to Eat

• Wash, slice if desired and enjoy. It’s a good idea to eat apples with their skin.
• Make into applesauce.
• Bake or microwave.