11 Ways to Enjoy an Apple

There may be some truth to the old saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples have lots of health benefits, and contain many of the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. And you can do more than just crunch your way through the fruit — raw apples are delicious, but you can also enjoy them baked and stewed, in main dishes and in snacks.

Here are some great ways to enjoy apples:

Sliced up: You don’t need crackers to enjoy a delicious dip or nut butter. Sliced apples are delicious with many dips, so long as you don’t mind the sweetness. Nuts and apples are also a delicious perfect combination. Try dips with dried apple and other fruits and vegetables.

Stewed: Cooking apples makes them become sweeter (naturally) as their cell walls break down in the cooking process. Stewed apples are great with a crunchy nut and seed mix, as a healthy crumble or enjoyed as dessert or breakfast enjoyed with natural yogurt. Try these recipes:

• Apple Crumble with Ginger Ice “Cream”
• Apple Coconut Crumble

Baked: Baked apples are a healthy dessert option with other fruits such as berries, plums, pears and other fruits. Try these recipes:

• Vegan Baked Apple Pie
• Baked Apples with Almonds, Cranberries & Cinnamon
• Maple & Cinnamon Baked Apples and Pears

On the go: Nothing is easier and quicker than eating an apple on the run. Keep them in your bag, car or work desk to grab to avoid mid-afternoon munchies or making poor food choices because you are over hungry and ravenousness!

Applesauce: It’s a great addition to many main dishes. Plus, you can use applesauce as an egg substitute for baked goods or to add a natural sweetness to baked products without sugar. Making your own is easy — here’s two recipes to check out:

• Homemade Apple Sauce
• Raw Blueberry Applesauce

In salads: Apples are a great add-in to salads! They can be grilled on the BBQ or eaten raw, and will add a milk sweetness that can lift a salad and take it away from being another boring salad! Here are some of my favorite salads with apple in them:

• Warm Apple-Cinnamon Salad
• Raw Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad

In main meals: Apples can add extra flavor to stews, vegetable based dishes and other meals. Try this Apple, parsnips and sweet potato dish.

In soups: Apples can add a richer sweeter taste to your soup and can work very well with lots of vegetables. Here are some yummy, warming soup recipes:

• Turnip, Apple & Butternut Squash
• Exotic Squash, Carrot, & Apple Soup

In smoothies and juices: Apples are a common and very popular addition to juices to add sweetness, flavor and to cover up some ingredients that may not be so desirable. Try:

• Spiced Apple and Carrot Juice
• Spiced Cinnamon Apple Smoothie
• Apple Pie Smoothie

Apple Cider Vinegar: Having apple cider vinegar boost well-being by supporting healthy blood sugar levels and reducing cholesterol levels. It can  also help with weight loss, along with many other health benefits on the inside and out.

Skin Care: Eating isn’t the only thing you can do with an apple — they can also be part of your DIY skin care routine. This this carrot-apple-lemon brightening face scrub.