Apples: The Perfect Fall Fruit

The arrival of a new crop of local apples is a bitter-sweet time.  Freshly-picked apples have intense flavor and crispness but they also herald the beginning of fall.  Sunset is noticeably earlier and nights are chilly these days.   Before you know it, leaves will start turning colors and falling off the trees.

With all the summer fruit – peaches, nectarines, pluots and wild berries – still in abundance, it is tempting to ignore the first apples on the scene.  Don’t make the mistake of waiting till Rosh Hashanah or October to go apple picking or purchase a tote bag of crispy fruit.  The Paula Reds and Ginger Golds which you see in the store now will no longer be available.  Take advantage of this time to appreciate and savor the many varieties that Massachusetts orchards have to offer in sequence.  We’ll have Macs, Jonagolds, Braeburns, Macouns and more.  Buy ‘em when you see ’em and savor the nuances of the season.. 

I love making smoothies with fresh apples.  Just wash or remove the peel and take out the core before blending.

Autumn Apple & Vegetable Smoothie

1 apple (any variety), washed or peeled and core removed

1 carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped

1 rib celery, washed and chopped

1 handful parsley leaves, washed

4 ice cubes

1/2 cup liquid (orange juice, coconut water or rice milk), or more as needed

1 small slice of gingerroot, optional

Combine all ingredients in high-powered blender (ie. Vitamix) and process until smooth and creamy.  Drink immediately.