Few ingredients exemplify the flavors of fall better than the humble apple. A symbol of the season, apples are versatile fruits that add sweetness to a whole host of classic fall recipes. Whether you're looking to sweeten up your savory main dishes, add crunch to salads, or simply rustle up a seasonal dessert, RiceSelect® is here to help you make the most of this fall favorite in your cooking.
Benefits of Cooking with Apples
We’ve all heard the saying: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, it’s certainly true that the benefits of incorporating apples into your diet are numerous. Apples are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, especially when consumed with their peel. They’re also high in fiber which has been linked with improved digestion. What’s more, consuming apples in season not only make for a nutritious addition to your culinary creations, they’re also a great way to make your fall cooking more sustainable and environmentally-friendly. Apples come into season in fall, and so can be sourced locally, supporting your local economy and reducing the carbon footprint of your cooking in the process.
How many varieties of apples are there?
Astonishingly, there are estimated to be more than 7,500 varieties of apple, with 2,500 of them harvested in the US alone. Although that might be too many to name in one article, let’s take a look at some of the most popular varieties to be found in stores and how best to use them.
How to choose the best apples for recipes
Golden Delicious: Named for their unique color and signature taste, golden delicious apples are sweet and crunchy, perfect for snacking or adding to salads and smoothies.
Granny Smith: A fruit bowl favorite, these dark green apples are known for their tartness, making them suitable for apple pie recipes and other baked dessert recipes with apple.
McIntosh: These red and green apples are soft in texture and sweet to the taste. Although not ideal for baking, they are perfect for snacking and using in applesauce recipes and smoothies.
Gala: Also soft in texture, gala apples are among the sweetest varieties commonly available in stores across the US. Slice them into wedges and add them to fruit salad recipes or as sweet treats for the little ones.
Honeycrisp: Delicious and versatile, honeycrisp apples are perfect for baking and cooking.
Fuji: One of the most popular varieties available in stores, Fuji apples work equally well as a snack or in cooked recipes with apple.
Pink Lady: Tangy to the taste, pink lady apples are a great choice if you're looking to add the unique flavor of apples to savory cooked dishes.
Jazz: This variety has a hint of pear in its flavor profile and is often used in cobbler and crumble dessert recipes.
Red Delicious: One of the most popular varieties to be found in America, red delicious apples are high in water and sweetness. Although they may not be ideal for baked recipes, they make for a refreshing addition to fruit salads and breakfast bowl recipes.
Crabapples: Although not ideal for snacking, the tanginess of crabapples makes them ideal for baked pies and tarts with lots of sugar.
Empire: Another versatile variety, Empire apples can be consumed raw, or added to baked and cooked dishes, when they become extra sweet.
Now that we’re up to speed on our apple varieties, let’s dive into some delicious recipes to use them in.
Craveworthy Breakfast Bowl
Add some fall flavor to your morning meal with this protein-packed Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa. Some ingredients are a match made in heaven, and this is certainly true of the combo of apple and cinnamon. Ready in just 25 minutes, this unique breakfast recipe is a terrific way to start the day.
Salad Recipes with Apple
Refreshing, nutritious, and versatile, it’s no wonder why salad recipes remain so popular throughout the year. Apples make for a welcome addition to your fall salad repertoire. In this Mint Apple Brown Rice Salad, crunchy green apples combine with earthy RiceSelect® Texmati® Brown Rice for a hearty rice salad that will delight and satisfy in equal measure.
Similarly, this Orzo Salad with Sausage Apple and Onion is a wholesome salad meal packed with delicious ingredients. When cooked, the sweet flavors of fuji apples combine beautifully with the savory sausages and chewy orzo. Best of all, it takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it the ideal recipe for busy days.
Savory Chicken Recipe with Apple
Wondering how you can take your chicken dishes up a notch? Try your hand at this Couscous with Grilled Chicken and Apple. Combining the comforting flavor of grilled chicken with fluffy RiceSelect® Tri-Color Couscous, this delightfully simple recipe is made with everyday pantry ingredients and elevated by the addition of sweet fuji apples. Simply put, it’s a great way to give your chicken recipes a little flavor of fall.
How to Make Apple Vinaigrette
Got more apples than you bargained for and not sure what to do with them? Try making some homemade apple vinaigrette; it couldn’t be easier.
Peel and chop apples and add to blender.
Pour contents into a bowl and add honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
Whisk thoroughly and sprinkle with salt and vinegar according to preference.
Fall Rice Desserts with Apple
Apples have long been a staple ingredient of America’s favorite fall desserts. From apple pie to crumble, few ingredients are as indelibly linked with fall desserts as apples are. For a quick and easy pancake recipe, try these Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes. Ready in under 20 minutes, they make for a wonderful snack or dessert option.
Alternatively, if you're looking to incorporate apples into one of America’s most beloved dessert recipes, try this Chai Spice & Apple Rice Pudding. Creamy, sweet, and delectable, it’s sure to be a hit at any dining table.
Fall in Love with Flavor
As the seasons change, so too do our cravings. Embrace the flavors of fall in your cooking and delight your fellow diners. And remember, RiceSelect® is always here to inspire you with the best recipes and cooking tips.