Utah Apples Blog

Bistro Apple Pizza

admin — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 22:54:27 +0000

Ok so I was hungry for pizza and being a fruit grower I decided to search the web to find a pizza that I could make out of apples. I found several and here is one that I would like to recommend. It is easy, tasty and healthy. It will keep the doctor away because while eating it you can have your apple a day.

So I hopped in my car and went to South Ridge Farms to get some apples. There I decided to pick up some Fuji apples. ( I love them ) and they worked wonders on this pizza.

TRY IT I THINK YOU WILL LIKE IT!

Bistro Apple Pizza
Serves 4

2 tsp. garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 12-inch prepared pizza dough crust
2 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith apples cored, peeled and thinly sliced (or chopped)I USED FUJI HERE ALL ALONE AND IT WAS GREAT!
1 cup shredded low-fat, part skim Mozzarella cheese
1 cup crumbled Blue, Gorgonzola or Roquefort cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. dried leaf oregano

Method:

For each pizza: Heat oven to 450� F. Saute garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Brush olive oil blend onto pizza crust.
Distribute spinach evenly onto crust.
Sprinkle on apples.
Blend mozzarella cheese, blue cheese and Parmesan cheese. Distribute evenly over apples.
Sprinkle on oregano. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cheese boils and crust is brown.

An Apple Salad For You!

admin — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:12:18 +0000

Serves 4

2 skinless chicken breast fillets, cooked
1 ripe avocado
Juice of a lemon
4 sticks celery, sliced on the slant, plus leaves
4 USA Empire or McIntosh apples
4 Spring onions, trimmed and sliced
Few sprigs chervil
50g/2oz cashew nuts
Flat parsley sprigs for decoration

For the dressing:
4 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
Juice of half a lime
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Slice chicken breasts into thick strips. Place in bowl. Halve avocado and remove stone. Scoop out flesh with a spoon. Squeeze half of lemon juice over avocado. Add to chicken with celery leaves. Halve and core apples. Slice thinly. Squeeze remaining lemon juice over apples and add to bowl with spring onions, chervil and cashews. Mix dressing ingredients and pour over salad. Toss to coat. Tumble onto plates and decorate with parsley sprigs.

Apples Help With Weight Loss?!

admin — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 16:58:40 +0000

All these diet fads… How about trying one of the most popular diets= EAT AN APPLE

I am surprised that someone hasn’t tried to start a new diet called: “An Apple A Day Make the Weight Go Away”.… How about if we start it right now and call it the “Apple Diet One Two Punch” this of course means that one is good two is better!

Read closely and see what an apple a day can do for YOU!!!

WEIGHT LOSS
Apples are a delicious source of dietary fiber, and dietary fiber helps aid digestion and promotes weight loss. A medium apple contains about five grams of fiber, more than most cereals. Also, apples contain almost zero fat and cholesterol, so they are a delicious snack and dessert food that’s good for you.

UC-DAVIS: APPLES ARE HEART-HEALTHY
Researchers at the University of California-Davis recently reported that apples and apple juice may help protect arteries from harmful plaque build-up. In the first study conducted in humans, adults who added two apples, or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice, to their daily diet demonstrated a significant slowing of the cholesterol oxidation process that leads to plaque build-up - thereby giving the body more time to rid itself of cholesterol before it can cause harm.

AGE-RELATED MEMORY IMPROVEMENT LINKED WITH CONSUMPTION OF APPLE PRODUCTS
New Study Finds Consuming Apple Juice Associated With Brain Health In Older Animals

LOWELL, MASS. (January 19, 2006) – “An apple a day” now has new meaning for those who want to maintain mental dexterity as they age. New research from the University of Massachusetts Lowell suggests that consuming apple juice may protect against cell damage that contributes to age-related memory loss, even in test animals that were not prone to developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

“This new study suggests that eating and drinking apples and apple juice, in conjunction with a balanced diet, can protect the brain from the effects of oxidative stress – and that we should eat such antioxidant-rich foods,” notes lead researcher Thomas B. Shea, Ph.D ., director of the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, whose study was just published in the latest issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Although more research is needed, Shea is excited about these brain health findings, which are encouraging for all individuals who are interested in staying mentally sharp as they age.

Using a well-established animal protocol, Shea and his research colleagues assessed whether consumption of apple juice was protective against oxidative brain damage in aging mice, damage that can lead to memory loss. “These newer findings show that there is something in apples and apple juice that protects brain cells in normal aging, much like the protection we previously saw against Alzheimer-like symptoms,” says Shea.

The researchers evaluated adult and aged mice using a standard diet, a nutrient-deficient diet, and a nutrient-deficient diet supplemented with apple juice concentrate in drinking water. Although the adult mice tested were not affected negatively by the deficient diets, the aged mice were, which is consistent with normal aging due to oxidative neurodegeneration. The effect on cognition among the aged mice was measured through well-established maze tests, followed by an examination of brain tissue. However, the aged mice who consumed the diets supplemented with apple juice performed significantly better on the maze tests and all had less oxidative brain damage than those on the standard diet.

Supplementation by apple juice fully protected the aged mice from the oxidative stress caused by the nutrient-deficient diet. In addition, stronger mental acuity resulted when the aged mice consumed the human equivalent of 2-3 cups of apple juice or approximately 2-4 apples per day. “We believe that this effect is due to the apple’s naturally high level of antioxidants,” states Shea. Previous research with his colleagues also determined that it is not the sugar and energy content of the apple juice, but the antioxidant attributes of apple juice that are responsible for the positive effects.

This study was sponsored through an unrestricted grant by the U.S. Apple Association and the Apple Products Research and Education Council.

The research abstract can be found at
http://www.j-alz.com/issues/8/vol8-3.html.

—University of Massachusetts Lowell

APPLES REALLY ARE GOOD FOR YOU!

admin — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 16:50:09 +0000

APPLES REALLY ARE GOOD FOR YOU!
Eating fresh apples is always good for you, but to get the full nutritional benefits associated with eating apples you should eat at least one fresh apple every day. The average U.S. consumer eats about 19 pounds of fresh apples a year — about one apple per week. Ongoing consumer attitude tracking in nine major markets across the United States has shown that Washington apples remain number one as far as consumers are concerned. According to a one report, 56 percent of those surveyed named Washington as the brand they look for when buying apples.

WHOLE-BODY HEALTH BENEFITS
Lower blood cholesterol, improved bowel function, reduced risk of stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma.

The disease-fighting profile of apples provides a multitude of health benefits, including a potential decreased risk of cancer and heart disease. Several recent studies suggest apples may provide a “whole-body” health benefit.

A number of components in apples, most notably fiber and phytonutrients have been found in studies to lower blood cholesterol and improve bowel function, and may be associated with a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease, stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma. Preliminary research from Finland indicates diets with the highest intake of apple phytonutrients were associated with a 46 percent reduction in the incidence of lung cancer. Findings indicate that two apples a day or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice reduced the damaging effects of the “bad” LDL cholesterol.

- Interpoma 2002 Conference, Bolzano, Italy
- Dianne Hyson, Ph.D., M.S., R.D., University of California-Davis

Cameo Apple Salsa

admin — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 17:30:35 +0000

I love Cameo Apples! We sell them at the Red Barn in Santaquin Utah. There is a web site especially for the Cameo apple! Check out the web site: www.americancameo.com

Stop by the Big Red Barn and pick up some Cameo apples!

I have always liked fresh salsa! This recipe goes one step beyond fresh, it adds a bit of apples to the mix. It is soooo good. I even tried other apples and it was good, but Cameo was a good choice for the salsa!

Cameo Apple Salsa

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Refrigeration Time: ½ hour
Makes: 4 cups

2 cups Cameo apples, diced
½ cup red onion, diced
½ cup (1 large) Anaheim chili pepper, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (optional)
¼ cup lime juice
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in large bowl and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate one half hour or until ready to serve.

Tip: For a snack, serve with tortilla chips or use as a topping to accent a meal of grilled chicken, fish or pork.

Pitta Pocket Apple Crunch

admin — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:38:46 +0000

Here we are in cherry/Apple country and I am sending you a new recipe for a quick afternoon snack or a quick supper item!

Apple Crunch Pitta Pockets

Serves 4

For the filling:
2 USA Empire apples, roughly chopped
1 stick celery, washed, trimmed and chopped
50g/2oz walnuts, cut in large chunks
100g/4oz green grapes, halved
100g/4oz light cream cheese
50g/2oz raisins

Black pepper
4 wholemeal pitta breads

Place all the filling ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well combined then season with black pepper. Half each pitta bread and lightly toast to warm through. Fill each pocket with a generous serving of the apple crunch filling and serve immediately.

The Real “Johnny Appleseed”

admin — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 23:40:33 +0000

Have you ever wondered who the real Johnny Appleseed was? Here is a little story that the folks at South Ridge Farms‘ Red Barn related to me as I was there shopping for the best apple to make into Apple Sauce.

I thought you might enjoy this little tale!

“John Chapman - A Gentle Hero”

Johnny Appleseed was born in Leominster, Massachusetts on September 26, 1774. His real name was John Chapman.

His father, Nathaniel Chapman, was one of the Minutemen who fought at Concord on April 19, 1775, and later in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. John’s mother, Elizabeth Symond Chapman, had three children: Elizabeth, who was born in 1770, John, and Nathaniel Jr., who died shortly after birth in 1776. John’s mother, who was sick from tuberculosis, died just three weeks after her third child.

Although there is no proof, it is reasonable to assume that Elizabeth’s parents took care of John and his sister while their father was in the Army. Nathaniel married his second wife, Lucy Cooley of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, in 1780. With their family of ten children, Nathaniel and Lucy lived in Longmeadow for many years. Johnny and Elizabeth lived with them for at least part of that time.

There is little authentic information available about Johnny’s life with the new family. However, he did start his westward journey about 1797. “Johnny Appleseed” was not a scatter of seeds many people believe. He was a practical nurseryman. He realized that there was a real need and an opportunity for service in supplying seeds and seedlings.

For the most part, moving ahead of the pioneers, Johnny started many nurseries throughout the Midwest by planting seeds which he bought from cider mills in Pennsylvania. In order to assure stability of the newly established homesteads, the law required each settler to plant fifty apple trees the first year. Because of the poor transportation that existed in the interior in those days, apples were a practical necessity in the early settlers diets.

John Chapman, or Johnny Appleseed, owned many tracts of land throughout Ohio and Indiana. He used this land to plant apple seeds, transplant seedlings and set out orchards. He sold and gave trees to the pioneer settlers. John Chapman spread religion as well as apples.

A deeply religious man, John Chapman became a self-appointed missionary for the Church of the New Jerusalem, a Christian Church based on the Biblical interpretations of Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish scientist and theologian. John shared his religious tracts and his Bible with the settlers who listened to him.

His love for his neighbor made him accepted as a peacemaker between the Indians and the settlers.Just short of his seventy-fifth birthday, Johnny Appleseed died on March 18,1845 in Fort Wayne, Indiana after more than 50 years of travel. His path through the East and Midwest is today dotted with many monuments to the memory of this man who fulfilled the Biblical requirements “To Do Justly, To Love Mercy and To Walk Humbly With His God.”

Why Eat an Apple

admin — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 17:06:05 +0000

What a great way to receive a good portion of daily nutritional requirements. The apple comes packaged in a resilient skin and ready to eat. There are times when I walk through the orchards when the apples are green with a salt shaker in my pocket.

Apples are one of Mother Natures greatest creations. Enjoy at least an apple a day.

Deep Dish Apple Pie

admin — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 15:40:08 +0000

Just when you thought that Chicago was the only place a deep dish could be used for baking (usally deep dish pizza) but here is a knock you off your socks recipe for deep dish Apple Pie. I actually tasted this pie while visiting South Ridge Farms in Utah! I ask for the recipe and HERE IT IS.

They did say that they were grateful for usaapples.com for the recipes.

Deep Dish Apple Pie

Serves 4

8 USA Empire or McIntosh apples
Juice of a lemon
3 tbsp plain flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Half tsp freshly grated nutmeg
3 tbsp sugar
50g/2oz butter, in small pieces
225g/8oz shortcrust pastry
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp caster sugar for sprinkling

Peel, core and cut apples into thick slices. Sprinkle with lemon juice in a bowl. Sift in flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add sugar, then toss around gently to coat. Spoon into 20cm/8in deep oven-proof dish. Dot with butter. Roll out pastry trimmings. Cut out an apple and leaf shape. Brush pastry lid with beaten egg. Place pastry apple and leaf on the top. Brush these with egg too. Sprinkle all over with sugar. Bake in a pre-heated oven Gas 5 at 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C for 25 minutes or until top is golden and crusted and apples are tender.

An Apple A Day or…

admin — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 15:52:12 +0000

It was once said that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. In today’s world with trans fats galore and unhealthy carbs everywhere I noticed a saying while visiting South Ridge Farms in Utah that caught my eye. It said: “two apples a day gets the doctors OK”. What a clever way to take an age old saying and make it meet more modern standards!
The health benefits of apples and apple products were first recorded as early as medieval times, giving rise to the old English saying “Ate an apfel avore gwain to bed Makes the doctor beg his bread” and its more recent variation, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples’ healthy attributes have received considerable renewed interest recently, following the publication of several studies linking apple nutrients to an impressive range of health benefits.

Apples and processed apple foods can be an important part of a healthy diet. This section is dedicated to providing you with healthy eating advice, apple nutrition information and healthy eating tips.

Apple Health Research

Modern science is providing more and more proof of that adage about “an apple a day.” What we know about apple health benefits is constantly expanding, as new apple health research is reported in the United States and around the world. While the study of apples’ health benefits is still in very early stages, research to date suggests that apples and apple nutrients may play a role in promoting human health in a number of ways, including:

promoting cardiovascular health by helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels;

maintaining a healthy weight along with exercise, as part of a low-fat, fiber-rich diet;

promoting lung health, by helping maintain healthy membranes;

promoting bone health, by contributing boron, a mineral important to bone health, to the diet.

Please consult your personal physician or nutrition consultant for specific diet and lifestyle advice to promote your better health and quality of life. And make apples and apple products a part of your daily plan for healthy eating!