The apple is one of the most popular fruits worldwide – juicy, crisp, aromatic, and extremely versatile. Whether in a smoothie, eaten raw as a snack, in cakes, or savory dishes: an apple is always a good choice.
Between August and March, you can get many regional varieties fresh from the field. And the best part: apples are true nutritional powerhouses for the immune system, heart, and digestion.
What is the apple?
The apple is a pome fruit and originally comes from Central Asia. Today there are over 30,000 varieties worldwide. From sweet to tart, crisp to soft – each variety has its own unique character.
Apples are mainly grown in Europe, the USA and China and are available all year round.
Nutrients & Effects
Apples contain:
- Vitamin C
- Polyphenols (antioxidant & anti-inflammatory)
- Dietary fiber – especially pectin
- potassium
Health benefits:
- support digestion
- They ensure a good feeling of satiety.
- They have been proven to lower cholesterol.
- strengthen immune system & heart
- They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Nutritional values per 100 g:
- Energy value: 52 kcal
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.8 g (of which 10.4 g are sugars)
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Dietary fiber: 2.4 g
Taste & Texture
Depending on the variety, an apple tastes:
- sweet
- sweet and sour
- aromatic
- fruity-fresh
The consistency ranges from crisp and firm to slightly mealy. Perfectly suited for:
- Snacks
- Smoothies
- Juices
- Salads
- Bake
- Applesauce, chutney & compote
Note: Fruit acid can slightly damage the teeth of sensitive people – it's best not to brush directly after eating.
Purchasing & Storage
Recognizing maturity:
- Shell firm, free from major pressure marks
- pleasant, slightly fruity aroma
- uniform color
- The peel of organic apples may appear duller.
Storage:
- Apples like it cool – ideally in the refrigerator (1–4 °C)
- They last there for 2-4 weeks, some varieties even longer.
- Store separately from other fruit – apples release ethylene and cause other fruits to ripen faster.
Pesticides:
Conventional apples should definitely be washed or peeled. Organic apples often have fewer residues.
Use in the kitchen
Classic applications
- applesauce
- Apple Pie & Strudel
- fresh snack
- Juice & Smoothies
- Salads with diced apples
- Compote & Crumble
Creative ideas
- Apple-ginger detox juice
- Autumnal apple and pumpkin soup
- Apple chips from the air fryer
- Apple and mint smoothie (perfect for mornings)
Ideal in combination with Nutrilovers kitchen gadgets
- Slow Juicer: delivers clear, aromatic apple juice – perfect with ginger or carrot
- Stand mixer: ideal for smoothies, applesauce or apple bowls
- Air fryer: for apple chips without oil
- Ice cube maker: frozen apple cubes for summer drinks
- Bread maker: Apple-cinnamon bread or apple pieces as a topping are possible.
Fun Facts
- The saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" dates back to the 19th century.
- Apples are 85% water – that's why they're so refreshing.
- The apple aroma comes from over 300 different flavorings.
Conclusion – why apples should be a daily part of your diet
Apples are healthy, affordable, versatile, and locally available. They strengthen the immune system and digestion, protect the heart and cells – and simply always taste good. Whether raw, in juice, or in a smoothie: the apple is the perfect daily companion for a balanced diet.
