Apples Galore

So, the fall farmer's market season is still going strong although it is getting a little cold to shop there. But we bundle up and make our rounds while the good fall items are still around. Apples are in right now, with a huge selection. Just like last year, our favorite apple is the Gold Rush. It is sour and tangy with such a strong and distinctive flavor. (Sorry, Winesap, my true longstanding favorite gets shelved for just a few weeks while the good crisp gold rushes are in).

Apples are filling and have fiber and plenty of antioxidants, (polyphnols and flavonoids) especially if you eat the skin. Apples work to reduce blood sugar levels as well as blood fat levels. They reduce blood sugar both by inhibiting the enzymes that quickly turn complex carbs into sugars sent to the bloodstream and by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin and pulling glucose from the bloodstream faster. The fiber in an apple contains pectin but reduces fats more than pectin alone would. Also, steer clear of ones that look grocery store pure, look for some variation in the skin both in color and texture and the tarter flavored apples have more antioxidants so skip the overly sweet ones....