Alice in Dairyland reminds us there are many ways to have an apple-a-day
It’s a saying I think everyone knows – “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” With Wisconsin growing nearly 60 million pounds of fresh apples, local orchards dot the state.
And there are so many ways to enjoy apples.
An apple by itself is a very nutritious treat as well as a refreshing fruit because it is nearly 85 percent water. Apples are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In fact, a fiber in apples –called pectin – is known for helping limit the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs. And although apples contain no fat and are low in calories, they still are packed with delicious flavor.
Proper storage of apples can help them keep their flavor and freshness longer. Storing apples in plastic bags in the refrigerator will help them keep that fresh crunch.
Wisconsin apple growers raise many different varieties that have distinct flavors – more than 100 varieties are grown commercially. Some apple varieties, like the Red Delicious, Early Fuji, and Royal Gala, are especially good for eating as is. Others like Dudley, Duchess, and Wolf River are perfect for making pies and applesauce. Ambrosias, Jonathans, and Wisconsin Grannies work well in recipes for baked goods. And apples like the McIntosh, Jonamac, Cortland, and Honeycrisp are great for pretty much everything.
All kinds of apples can be used to make apple cider. When I visited Sunrise Orchards near Gays Mills in September, I got to learn about making this yummy beverage. Apple cider is just the juice pressed from apples, so it doesn’t really matter what kinds of apples are used. Different kinds of apples add to the sweet, tart flavor that apple cider is known for. And apple cider can be served hot or cold, so you can have a glass any time of the year to warm you up or cool you down. It’s such a healthy treat.
The apple is good not only for you, but for Wisconsin, too. The apple industry has a long history here in Wisconsin dating back to the first commercial orchards of the early 1800s. Apple trees can last a long time, up to 200 years. Today there are about 7,000 acres of apple trees planted throughout the state.
Wisconsin’s apple industry generates around $9 million in economic activity along with bringing lots of tourists to the orchards from other parts of Wisconsin and from out of state.
The apple industry generates memories, too. When I was growing up in Crawford County, my family would make yearly visits at harvest time to the apple orchards in the Gays Mills area to get fresh, local apples and other treats.
The hill country of the Kickapoo River Valley around the village is one of the most concentrated areas of apple orchards in the state. But with apple orchards in 46 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, there is certain to be an orchard near you. Buying Wisconsin-grown helps support our local farmers, producers, communities, economies, and all Wisconsin agriculture.
Now is a great time to visit a local orchard; there are still some varieties that won’t be ready for harvest until the end of October. Be sure to check out www.savor wisconsin.com or the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association Web site (www.waga.org) to search for an orchard near you where you can pick your own apples, buy one of the many varieties already packaged, or find some great apple treats, such as cider or baked goods.
There are so many delicious ways to have a Wisconsin apple-a-day.
Alice in Dairyland is Wisconsin’s agricultural ambassador. She travels more than 40,000 miles each year to spread the word about our agricultural industry. Alice in Dairyland can be reached by writing to DATCP, 2811 Agriculture Drive, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53718.
You can schedule Alice for an upcoming event by contacting the Alice in Dairyland Program at (608) 224-5080 or by e-mail at DATCPAlice@wisconsin.gov.
