Skip to main content

What Is the Healthiest Type of Apple to Eat?

Ft Lauderdale Personal Chef
By Chess Taylor.
What’s that old saying? “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, well that might just be more right than you previously thought! Many of us forget that when it comes to a simple snack or healthier lunchtime side the simplest of answers, such as an apple, are usually the best for us. So next time you’re feeling peckish, why not reach for that fruit bowl instead?
Before we begin delving too deep into the article’s primary subject of interest, let’s start out with a few fun facts on the apple:
  • The apple is the fruit of an apple tree, which are (not surprisingly) one of the most widely grown fruit trees.
  • There are thousands of different apple varieties, including: Gala, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, Fuji and Red Delicious.
  • The apple tree originates from Central Asia.
  • Millions of tonnes of apples are grown each and every year for us to consume.
  • China is the leading producer of apples across the globe.
  • Other top apple producers across the world are the USA, Turkey, Italy and Poland.
  • The average apple has around 130 calories, depending upon size and variety.
  • The apple’s genome was actually decoded during the year 2010.
  • Honey bees are commonly the pollinator of apple trees.
  • The apple tree usually blossoms during the springtime and the fruits mature sometime within the autumn.
  • Chemical sprays can be used to protect apple trees from a number of different diseases and pests, although organic methods are quickly becoming more and more popular.
  • The saying ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is thought to originate from Wales during the 19th century. Although this may not be entirely true, the apple does have various health benefits which could potentially make a doctor’s visit less likely!
  • While many apples are eaten fresh, they can be used within recipes -especially the varieties which are more sour in taste called ‘cooking apples’.
  • The apple tree takes around 4 to 5 years to produce their first fruits.
  • Apples are actually a member of the rose family, who’da thought?
  • It would take 36 apples to create roughly one gallon of apple cider.
  • The largest apple that has ever been picked weighed 3 pounds total.
  • The apple contains no fats, sodium or cholesterol making it a very healthy sweeter snack -especially as they are full of fantastic dietary fibre.
  • If an apple is left at room temperature they usually ripen around 6 to 10 times faster than if stored within a refrigerator.
These facts are sourced using the websites Science Kids and Farm Flavor for your educational pleasure.
Each variety of apple has it’s own health benefits and uses, in terms of the recipes it fits well within and the way it can be eaten (raw or cooked). What are the general health benefits of eating apples?

Apple Health Benefits

Whiter, Stronger Teeth

When biting and chewing apples your saliva glands are stimulated to produce more of the substance, and thus reduces the likelihood of tooth decay by lowering high levels of any bacteria present. Although, apple’s cannot replace the need for a toothbrush they can certainly help during the day when brushing your teeth may be inconvenient or impossible.

Alzheimer’s Prevention

Studies conducted on mice have recently shown the impact of apple juice upon the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Mice who were fed the juice tended to score higher on maze tests, as well as displaying a higher quantity of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Cancer Prevention

The antioxidants present within apples certainly can help to curb the free radicals within the body that cause cancerous cells to form. In some cases, this can be up to a 23% reduced risk in terms of pancreatic cancers.

Protection from Parkinson’s

Evidence shows that individuals who consume fruits (such as apples) and other fibre rich foods frequently, are much more protected against illnesses such as Parkinson’s. Likewise, a result most likely caused by the free-radical fighting effects that the antioxidants of the apple contains.

Lowered Risk of Diabetes

It has been said that women who eat one apple per day, actually have 28% more protection in not developing type 2 diabetes. Due to being loaded with soluble fibre, apples can work perfectly in avoiding the body’s blood sugar levels from spiking.

Lowering the Body’s Cholesterol

The soluble fibre found within apples can bind with the fats inside your intestines and result in lower cholesterol levels, benefitting the body in numerous ways!

A Healthier Heart Functioning

Compounds found within the apple can aid in avoiding plaque build-up inside your arteries, thus avoiding coronary heart diseases as a result of the reduced blood flow. So, apples may actually help prevent heart disease!

Prevent Gallstones

When trying to prevent gallstones, doctors recommend a diet which is high in soluble fibre -which is exactly what apples provide! Try consuming at least one apple per day if you are prone to gallstones and hopefully you’ll see the difference in no time.

Treats Constipation and Diarrhea

As previously mentioned, the apple is loaded with the fantastic soluble dietary fibre needed for a healthy digestive system and healthier stools. Working in one of two ways, fibre can either aid with constipation or treat diarrhea for the consumer.

Can Help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

When trying to control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, it is advised you avoid dairy and fatty foods -instead replacing them for foods high in fibre. Try replacing your favourite dairy products (such as milk or yoghurt) with either drinking apple juice or eating an apple itself.

Weight Control

Fibre, fibre, fibre! We’ve been relentlessly mentioning this miraculous important dietary need over the past few health benefits, so here’s another positive -weight control. When consuming fibre you are much more likely to stay fuller for longer and this, in turn, avoids unnecessary snacking and calorie consumption. So, next time you’re feeling hungry in between meals why not try a tasty apple instead of those potato chips?

Immune System Booster

The red varieties of apples contain a substance called ‘quercetin’, which is found to be a useful immune booster when consumed regularly.

Prevents Cataracts 

Opinions may be divided on this matter, however recent long-term studies are showing that consuming fruits high in antioxidants (like apples) can reduce your chances of forming cataracts of up to 15%.

And the Healthiest Type of Apple Is?

We all have our personal favourites when it comes to apples, some may like the good old trusty Granny Smiths whereas others may prefer the likes of the Red Delicious -but which is the most beneficial to our health?
Research has found that the compounds found within the classic Granny Smith variety of apple may help to prevent disorders associated with obesity, even if the apple wasn’t linked to any specific weight loss effects. When testing the apple varieties: Granny Smith, Fuji, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Gala and Red Delicious researchers found that Granny Smith apples contained the most nondigestible compounds as well as a high fibre and polyphenol content. This high fibre and polyphenol content is said to promote the growth of good ‘friendly’ bacteria inside the colon, perhaps even enough to prevent some obesity-related disorders.
One Canadian study found that the Northern Spy, Ida Red and Red Delicious are some of the best apples in terms of their antioxidant contents, noting that the polyphenols of these apples were found mostly within the skin of the fruit. In terms of the best apple for disease-preventing antioxidant contents the Red Delicious certainly ranked the highest, neutralizing many highly reactive free radicals which can cause cancers, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and various other health issues.
Contrastingly, a different study conducted in 2009 found that when testing 15 different varieties of apple, (12 organic and 3 conventionally grown) the organic Pendragon apple was placed at the top spot. The tests conducted upon these apples were ones in which the various plant compounds present were looked at for their health benefits, the apples overall nutritious content was measured and not only was the flesh looked at but the peel too. The Pendragon apple has a similar colouring to that of a crab-apple.
While these apples may of won in their own studies, it is important to realise each variety of apple has it’s own health benefits, specific taste and strengths. If you are considering which type of apple is best for you and your family, it may be wise to try your own taste-tests on the apples which appeal to you most as well as taking into account your personal preferences. For example, do you prefer ‘healthier’ organic fruit or the non-organic varieties which have been protected by various pesticides preventing damage to the apple crops as a whole?
We here at Balance Me Beautiful simply recommend choosing organically grown apple varieties when in season from local farmers, as in doing so you are supporting your local community and preventing the consumption of harmful toxins that can be found within non-organic fruits. If you are interested in consuming conventional non-organic apples, it may be best to not consume the peel, keeping in mind that the apple is rated one of the highest produces to be left with the most residual pesticide content after being treated. Store your apples in the refrigerator if possible, in order to prevent premature ripening as well as preserving their sweet and tasty flavour.

Apple Varieties and Their Qualities

  • Adam’s Pearmain apple: This apple is described to be both ‘nutty’ and ‘sweet’ in flavour.
  • Adanac apple: A medium-sized yellowy green apple, which is actually just Canada spelt backwards in name.
  • Red Delicious: Originating from Peru, this apple is supposedly crunchy and mildly sweet to taste and is in season throughout August to July.
  • Granny Smith: Coming from Australia, this apple variety is a favourite for snacking known for it’s tart and crunchy flavour.
  • Alexander apple: This type of apple is an old variety which, when cooked, becomes a puree.
  • Arkansas Black apple: This apple goes an almost black colour in storage, hence the name.
  • Apricot apple: A lesser-known apple variety which is characterised by it’s apricot-like taste.
  • Golden Delicious: The golden delicious apple has a sweet, mellow taste which when sliced stays white for longer than many other apple varieties. Perfect for many recipes both savory and sweet.
  • Gala apple: In season throughout August to July, the gala apple is fantastic in both pies and salads alike.
  • Fuji apple: This apple is known for its super sweet taste!
  • Honeycrisp: Good for freezing and excellent for all manner of things from salads, to baking to sauces this apple variety is a winner for sure.
  • Cripps Pink apple: In season from November to July, the cripps pink apple has a sweet but tart flavour great for snacking or baking with.
  • Braeburn: In season from October to July the braeburn apple has a bold flavour, and varies from orange to red in terms of colour.
  • Breeze apple: With an aromatic and sweet flavour this apple has a pretty pink and yellowy colour to it.
  • Jazz apple: Uses include snacking, baking, salads, beverages, pies, sauces and these apples can even be freezed.
  • Lady Alice apple: A fantastic name for a fantastic apple, this variety is in season from January to May.
  • Opal apple: This apple is crispy and juicy-sweet!
  • Sweetie apple: Sweet, crisp and full to the brim with flavour the sweetie apple is cute in both name and taste. In season from September to October.
  • Kiku apple: In season all year round and originating within Italy, this apple is said to be exotic, juicy and to have a super-sweet taste.

Final thoughts.

Whatever apple you decide to chow down on, or include within your recipes we hope our article and research will be of some help to our readers! Maybe the best way to operate when choosing your apple variety is to determine the taste and uses of the type of apple you need and then pick one which suits!
We here at Balance Me Beautiful appreciate hearing from our readers, so feel free to let us known in the comment section below your favourite varieties of apples! Alternatively, if you have a query, question or future article suggestion you can contact us via our Contact Page.
As ever guys, thanks for reading and don’t forget to see us again soon.
Palm Beach Personal Chef
Fort Lauderdale Personal Chef
Miami Personal Chef
Freelance Chef

Popular posts from this blog

Kids Cooking Class - Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami

YaDa Chef's cooking school JUST for kids! Teaching children of all ages that cooking can be creative, full of discovery, and a lot of fun!  YaDa Chef provides hands-on cooking classes allowing kid's imaginations to run wild and free while discovering new science, math, reading, health and social skills. YaDa Chef offers a unique culinary experience offering cooking classes to children in an environment that encourages discover and creativity.  Each class is a new experience.  Themes chosen, either our one of YaDa Chef's chefs, by the child or parent assist in sharpening skills and taking the mystery out of the kitchen.  Removing the fear of the unknown while incorporating subject matter which ties into each theme. Our highly qualified chefs, in coordination of nutritional experts carry out a mission to provide an interactive learning experience giving children the opportunity to develop a life-long love of the culinary arts. Each class is designed to fa...
Read more

Do you Remember Herman? Sourdough Starter and Recipe

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Amish friendship bread, as well as an interchangeable starter referred to as Herman (the name varies), became a popular exchange among friends who shared the starter as well as recipes. Herman Starter Preparation time: 10 minutes Standing time: 5 days Yield: 4 cups 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup warm water 2 packages (2 1/4 teaspoons each) active dry yeast 2 cups each: milk, flour 1. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the sugar over the warm water. Sprinkle yeast over mixture; set aside until doubled in volume, about 10 minutes. 2. Combine milk, flour, remaining sugar and yeast mixture in a plastic or glass container. (Do not use metal.) Stir with a wooden spoon; cover loosely. Set aside at room temperature, at least 8 hours. 3. Stir mixture once a day for three days. On the fourth day, measure out 1 cup of Herman for baking; measure 1 additional cup to give to a friend as a gift. To replenish starter: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk and 1...
Read more

Braised Lettuce (Laitues Braises): A Take On Julia Child’s Recipe

You can use almost any lettuce, such as chicory, or frisee, or Boston Bib if you are busing large heads, cut them in half. We made these pescartarian because of the shrimp stock, but vegan is easy with vegetable stock, or if serving with beef, a  beef stock and bacon. Braised lettuce is a delicious garnish for poultry, white meats such as veal or pork, or steamed white fish. It can be the main accompanied by a warm sweet potato salad. Serves 4 4 heads Romaine lettuce hearts  4 thick slices of bacon (if making not vegetarian or vegan), cut into lardon strips 1 small onion , diced 2 carrots, diced 1 tablespoon/15g plus 1/2 tablespoon/7 butter divided  1 teaspoon/5ml olive oil 1/2 cup/125ml shrimp or seafood stock (see notes above) 1/2 cup/125ml cup white wine or dry white vermouth bouquet garni: 1 parsley branch, 1 branch of thyme,1  bay leaf tied to a cheesecloth ½ tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon parsley Trim stems of lettuce and ...
Read more

Colors, Flavors, Sizes & Seasons of Onions

Onions vary in color, size, the time of year harvested, and flavor. These differences make onions very versatile. The  Color of Onions Bulb onions can be yellow, red, or white. Approximately 87 percent of the crop is devoted to yellow onion production, with about eight percent red onions, and five percent white onions. Yellow Onions Yellow Onions are full-flavored and are a reliable standby for cooking almost anything. Yellow onions turn a rich, dark brown when cooked and give French Onion Soup its tangy sweet flavor. Red Onions Red Onions, with their wonderful color, are a good choice for lots of fresh uses or for grilling, charbroiling, and roasting. White Onions White Onions are often used in prepared salads, white sauces, and is the traditional onion for classic Mexican cuisine. They have a golden color and sweet flavor when sautéed. personal chefs and event catering Miami + Miami Beach + Fort Lauderdale + Palm Beach www.yadachef.com info@yadachef.c...
Read more

Strawberry Breasts (Fragomammella) Recipe

This 'Two Fat Ladies' recipe is delicious. We did find before pushing the ricotta through the sieve to drain as much as the liquid out of it first. Made for a less runny consistency.  Ingredients 1 pound/450g strawberries 1 tablespoon/15ml lemon juice 1 tablespoon/15ml caster sugar (superfine) 1 1/4/510g pounds fresh ricotta 1/4 pint (1/2 cup/120ml/120g) double cream 3 tablespoons/45ml Campari 4 to 5 tablespoons/8g icing sugar (confectioners') Directions Set aside 16 of the smallest strawberries and cut the rest into small pieces. Put in a bowl with the lemon juice and caster sugar and leave to soak for 1 hour. Push the ricotta through the smallest sieve of a mouli, add cream and Campari, mix well. Sieve the icing sugar into the mixture to your own taste, put a third of the mixture aside and mix the strawberries into the remaining ricotta. Prepare pink dessert plates and divide the mixture into 16 breast-shaped molds, 2 for each plate. With a moistened...
Read more

Health Benefits of Ginger

What are the therapeutic benefits of ginger? Below are examples of some scientific studies on ginger and its current or potential uses in medical treatment. Inf lammation of the colon A study carried out at the University of Michigan Medical School found that Ginger Root Supplement administered to volunteer participants reduced inflammation markers in the colon within a month. The study was published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research. Experts say that inflammation of the colon is a precursor to colon cancer. Co-researcher Suzanna M. Zick, N.D., M.P.H., explained that by reducing inflammation in the colon a person reduces their risk of developing colon cancer. Zick said "We need to apply the same rigor to the sorts of questions about the effect of ginger root that we apply to other clinical trial research. Interest in this is only going to increase as people look for ways to prevent cancer that are nontoxic, and improve their quality of life in a cost-effect...
Read more

New England Iced Tea Recipe

While growing up in Massachusetts, my family spent summers at our cottage. These cocktails for the adults were a regional variation on Long Island iced tea, and they always showed up at clambakes on the beach. —Ann Liebergen, Brookfield, Wisconsin Ingredients 2 tablespoons sugar 1 ounce vodka 1 ounce light rum 1 ounce gin 1 ounce Triple Sec 1 ounce lime juice 1 ounce tequila 1 to 1-1/2 cups ice cubes 2 ounces cranberry juice Lemon slice, optional Directions In a mixing glass or tumbler, combine the sugar, vodka, rum, gin, Triple Sec, lime juice and tequila; stir until sugar is dissolved. Place ice in a highball glass; pour in the sugar mixture. Top with cranberry juice. Garnish with lemon if desired.  private chefs and event catering Palm Beach + Boca Raton + Fort Lauderdale + Miami Beach info@yadachef.com | 954-367-YADA (9232) 561-285-7466 www.yadachef.com south florida catering and personal chefs
Read more

9 Wonderful Benefits Of Pistachios

The health benefits of pistachios include a  healthy heart , weight management, protection against  diabetes  and hypertension, and improved  digestion . The  vitamins ,  minerals , fats, and protein found in pistachio are all good for health. What Are Pistachios? Pistachios are one of the oldest edible  nuts  and are commonly used all over the world. They are native to Asia, particularly Iran and Iraq. Archaeological evidence  dates  the association of pistachios and man as early as 6,000 BC. They were cultivated in Iran, Iraq, and Syria and were introduced to the Romans only in 100 AD. Today, apart from Iran, Iraq, and Syria, pistachios are being produced in many countries such as the United States, Australia, Turkey, and China, among others. Pistachio nuts belong to the  Anacardiaceae  family from the genus  Pistacia . A pistachio tree takes about 10 to 12 years to produce the first crop. They are d...
Read more

Pitted vs Unpitted Olives — Which Are Better?

Q. Are there any differences in flavor or texture among pitted and unpitted brine-cured  olives? A. To evaluate any differences between pitted and unpitted olives, we gathered both green and black brine-cured olives from deli sections at supermarkets, as well as olives packed in plastic and glass containers. After tasting many samples, it became clear that the pitted olives suffered on two counts: they tasted saltier and their flesh was mushier. They also lacked the complex, fruity flavors of the unpitted kind. Here's why: Before being packed for sale, fresh-picked olives are soaked in brine for periods of up to a year to remove bitterness and develop flavor. Once pitted, the olives are returned to the brine for packing, which can penetrate the inside of the olive and turn it mushy and pasty, as well as increase the absorption of salt. That saltier taste can mask subtler flavors. If you have the time, it makes sense to buy unpitted olives and pit them yourself...
Read more

Homemade Turkey Ham Recipe

Making your own cured turkey “ham”, is not only healthier, but in our opinion much tastier.  It will be much lower in sodium and be preservative free.  You are going to use turkey in 3 different forms. Cubed, minced and pureed.  This will give it a more “ham” like texture. Start with 2 pounds 10.5 ounces of skin off deboned turkey thigh meat Cubed Turkey 14 ounces/400 grams turkey meat, cut into cubes  1 teaspoon/4 grams salt 1/4  teaspoon/1 grams curing salt Minced/Ground Turkey (if you use pre minced make sure it’s thigh meat) 14 ounces/400 grams turkey meat 1 teaspoon/4 grams salt 1/2 teaspoon/2 grams curing salt  2 Tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons/40mls water For The Puree 10.5 ounces/300 grams turkey meat 4 teaspoons/20mls water 1/2 teaspoon/2mls garlic powder   1 teaspoon/4 grams salt 1/2 teaspoon/2 grams curing salt  1 large egg white 2 teaspoons/10ml liquid smoke 1/2 tablespoon/2 grams smoked paprika  Trim the turkey if not trimmed alread...
Read more